SHADOWSIDE CONFIRMED AT THE INDIANAPOLIS METAL FEST 2Brazilian metal outfit SHADOWSIDE will be making a return to the 2nd annual Indianapolis Metal Fest - IMF2. Promoter Rob Mason was so impressed by the bands inaugural crowd winning performance last year at IMF1, that he has asked the band to come back and perform on the main stage at IMF2! This years festival will be hosted by Uranium VJ, Mistress Juliya who as the sexy face of Fuse TV, entertained 40 millions viewers a week on her heavy metal TV show. IMF2 will be held over 2 days, September 26th and 27th 2008 and will feature some of the best in the heavy metal genre. Indianapolis Metal Fest is an annual celebration of all styles and subgenres of metal - from alternative metal on one end of the spectrum, to extreme metal on the other, and everything in between, with a slight emphasis on the Indie scene. One only needs to read a few of the reviews of the 2007 IMF for proof. The festival was intended to shine the spotlight on an extremely vibrant underground metal scene from day one, and that goal was attained. Mission accomplished! The result? Indianapolis Metal Fest is a perfect blend of Internationally successful marquis headliners and the best underground metal bands the scene has to offer. For more information and the lastest IMF2 updates visit www.indianapolismetalfest.com. Visit http://www.chavisrecords.net, http://www.shadowside.ws for all the lastest on Shadowside and the new album coming - Summer 2008! BRITNY FOX - BITES DOWN HARDERIn light of the recent defamatory claims, allegations and all out negative press circulating earlier in the week, original member and bassist Billy Childs, plus the 2007 lineup of guitarist Greg Polcari and drummer Henry, along with new frontman and rhythm guitarist Jamie Fletcher will carry on as the hard rock group known as BRITNY FOX. BRITNY FOX has retained the new management and booking services of Lane Productions and has inked a new deal with the independent label CHAVIS RECORDS. Through these partnerships the team was able to do what was necessary and in the best interest of Billy Childs. There is nothing being handed to BRITNY FOX on a "silver platter", "no rebirth", no skyrocketing BRITNY FOX "back in the limelight", "no robbing or deceiving anyone of anything", and "no infringement upon anyones anything". BRITNY FOX is simply moving forward as a band playing the songs BRITNY FOX is widely known for, coupled with a few that we're not hits but represent what BRITNY FOX was, is and will continue to be. BRITNY FOX is currently in rehearsals with new vocalist Jamie Fletcher for the upcoming 2008 tour which kicks off on March 21, 2008. Jamie was selected over several candidates. His stage presence, appeal and resume suited the position very well, but being a solid vocalist that can serve up the "Dizzy" Dean Davidson and Tommy Paris material just like it should be was the deciding factor. The team felt that it was critical to not only deliver the material as close to the original as possible, but also not to deviate from the BRITNY FOX sound that it is known for. "I personally spoke with Tommy Paris and asked him to give it another go. Tommy has moved on and gave his blessing and best wishes. No ugliness, no negativity just simply pursuing other interests at this time. With respect to my involvement, Billy had an idea and a vision that he wanted to achieve. We had several discussions with new management and put all the cards on the table. We came up with a game plan and an agreement that was best suited for all of the parties involved. I am happy to be involved and apart of the BRITNY FOX team. - Bill Chavis - CEO/President CHAVIS RECORDS Immediate plans for BRITNY FOX are to hit the road for the summer touring season and begin writing new material for a 2009 release. This gives the band time to gel and really focus on rebuilding, touring and reconnecting with their fans. "I want to personally thank each and everyone who stood by me and looked out for this project. I also want to thank all of the fans and friends who emailed me and responded positively to all the negative stuff being spit out". - Billy Childs Expect more information and the latest updates on BRITNY FOX in the coming weeks. All of the current and scheduled tour dates can be found here. For more information visit http://www.chavisrecords.net, http://www.myspacecom/chavisrecords and http://www.myspace.com/britnyfoxband. EGYPT CENTRAL ADDED TO NEW STATIONS EVERY WEEK!!!Alt-rockers Egypt Central continue to gain momentum, with new stations adding their single, "You Make Me Sick" every week! Most recently, Egypt Central has been added to WRZK/Johnson City, KWHL/Anchorage, WCCC/Hartford, KILO/Colorado Springs, WZMR/Albany, WZOR/Green Bay, KBZS/Wichita Falls, and WAMX/Huntington. To date, the band's self-titled debut album has sold over 8,600 units. Egypt Central is also #23 on both the Nielson BDS and Mediabase radio charts. "You Make Me Sick" is in the Top 5 phone requests on WCPR/Biloxi (TX), KILO/Colorado Springs, and WRXR/Chattanooga. The band has reached 974 spins on WBYR/Fort Wayne and 599 spins on WMFS/Memphis. They are also rated 8.86 out of 10 on AOL Radio: Xtreme Alt Rock. Egypt Central has gotten over 1000 plays on Sirius' Octane station! The band is currently on tour to support their self-titled debut, which hit streets January 15 and debuted at #8 on Billboard's New Artist chart. Don't miss Egypt Central's thrilling live performance! Egypt Central on tour: HEALER vocalist/guitarist Scott Von Heldt (who has worked with members of WHITE ZOMBIE, Cirque du Soliel, BAD COMPANY and more..) is proud to announce the launch of his official website, http://www.ScottVonHeldt.com The site features music from Healer as well as new previously unreleased material from his Ohio based death metal band KURAI and the recent EP from LA based thrash/funk quartet BARON VON SLOTH and much more! Scott is currently in the studio with bassist Tate McLaughlin and drummer Gary Larz working on the power trio*s debut release due out this summer. COMBAT ZONE WRESTLING AND LOCOMOTIVE VISION JOIN FORCES FOR INTERNATIONAL DVD RELEASESTRENTON, N.J. – Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) has signed an exclusive agreement with Locomotive Vision for worldwide release of its DVD titles. "Locomotive is extremely excited to be working with CZW Wrestling," said US Managing Director for Locomotive Tom "Smitty" Smith. "Their rapidly growing popularity and rabid fan base makes this a very attractive partnership. Now entering their ninth year, CZW has shown that they have what it takes to succeed in the ultra-competitive world of sports entertainment. We are looking forward to utilizing our strengths to maximize the presence and sales of CZW Wrestling video at all levels and further increase their position as a premiere wrestling division." "It's exciting to know that Locomotive is planning to really get behind CZW and help push the company to the next level," said CZW founder John Zandig. "This deal will enable us to reach many more fans throughout the country and around the world. It will help CZW grow as a whole. As DVDs sell, we will increase our market which, in turn, will allow us to expand our live events. We're thrilled to know that Locomotive is as excited to work with us as we are with them." The first title will be available in all DVD retail outlets by this summer. CZW was founded in 1999. The company originally built its reputation on a strong roster of homegrown talent, many of whom were culled from its own wrestling school, and a "hardcore" reputation. Shedding some of the hardcore in favor of a balanced mix of high-flying action, technical wrestling, and its tried and true hardcore style, CZW has earned itself a reputation as one of the top independent wrestling organizations in the world. The company runs shows monthly at the New Alhambra Arena (formerly home to the legendary ECW) in Philadelphia. Locomotive Vision is a division of Locomotive Records. Locomotive Records was founded in 1996 by music producer Goyo Esteban. Since its formation 11 years ago, the company has become one of the biggest Independent labels in Europe, South America, and the United States. With well-known artists from many genres, its main focus remains rock and metal music, and as a US licensor for bigger Indie labels. As a small record label in Spain, the company started with a lone office in Madrid but soon opened up another office in Cologne, Germany, in 2002. That office is now responsible for the international business and artistic vision for the whole company. In January 2008 Locomotive Records opened a US office in New York to increase its profile in the US market and offer a local and country-specific partner to expand its business even further. http://www.czwrestling.com OUTLAWS TO FORGE AHEAD IN 2008 WITH TOUR DATES BEGINNING FEBRUARY 22ndORIGINAL OUTLAWS HENRY PAUL AND MONTE YOHO ANNOUNCE NEW LINE-UP FOR THE LEGENDARY SOUTHERN BAND In a move that will surely please devout Outlaws fans, original founding members Henry Paul and Monte Yoho have announced that they will continue after the unfortunate passing of band mate Hughie Thomasson in September of 2007. "The Outlaws story is one of five young men with a dream," says Yoho. "Our story has chapters of triumph and tragedy but, through it all, there remains a sense of pride and accomplishment. The loss of Billy Jones (lead guitarist/vocalist) and Frank O'Keefe (bass guitarist) in '95, and most recently Hughie, is impossible to replace." Paul (vocals/electric and acoustic guitar) and Yoho (drums) have corralled two new stellar players into the fold that includes lead guitarist Billy Crain (ex-Henry Paul Band/songwriter for the Dixie Chicks and Poco among others) and keyboardist Jon Coleman (ex-Lee Roy Parnell/Brothers of the Southland). The band is rounded out by guitarist Chris Anderson, who's been an integral part of the Outlaws family off-and-on for over two decades and bassist Randy Threet, who has called the Outlaws "home" for the past few years. In 2005, the Outlaws reconvened for a successful 30th Anniversary Tour that also included original Outlaws member David Dix (drums) in addition to Thomasson, Paul, Yoho, Anderson and Threet. Two years later in the summer of 2007, the band toured as part of the immensely popular Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam Tour that included the Marshall Tucker Band. This year, they once again have a lot to look forward to... a U.S. tour beginning February 22nd and, hopefully, a new album to be released later in the year. Fans who come out this year can expect the band to play some of their greatest hits as "Green Grass & High Tides," "There Goes Another Love Song," "Hurry Sundown," "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" and "You Are The Show" as well as other fan favorites including "Knoxville Girl," "Gunsmoke," "South Carolina," "Girl From Ohio" and "Freeborn Man." "We will remain faithful to the authentic musical style that launched this great band's career, while creating new music to carry us forward into the future," states Monte Yoho. "We pride ourselves in continuing the tradition of a great American rock group," adds Henry Paul. "We're here to ensure that the music of Hughie, Billy, Frank and the rest of the Outlaws will never be forgotten." After all the band has endured, they could've easily ridden off into the sunset and called it a day... but that's never been, and never will be, the way of the Outlaws. TOUR DATES THROUGH MARCH 1 (SUBSEQUENT DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - HOUSE OF BLUES - ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 - TURNING STONE - VERONA, NEW YORK SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - NORTHERN LIGHTS - CLIFTON PARK, NEW YORK WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 - BIRCHMERE - ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 - MULCAHY'S - WANTAGH, NEW YORK FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29 - PENN'S PEAK - JIM THORPE, PENNSYLVANIA SATURDAY, MARCH 1 - BB KING'S - NEW YORK, NEW YORK IRON MAIDEN'S "SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME" TOUR…BACK IN AMERICA!!!EDDIE, new Laker Makes His First Public Appearance! From onstage last night (Feb 19), amid the pandemonium in front of 14,000 screaming fans at a packed Los Angeles Forum, Iron Maiden announced the first leg of their eagerly anticipated North American summer tour. For this special moment, they were joined on stage by their mascot Eddie resplendent in Lakers colours in honor of the halcyon days the team played at the Fabulous Forum. At 14 ft tall, Eddie could be the tallest player ever to wear Laker's colors! With tickets for Iron Maiden's current "SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME – WORLD TOUR 08" dates at the Los Angeles Forum and New Jersey's Izod Centre sold out months in advance, the band are delighted to announce they are coming back for more major USA concerts this summer which will take them to a number of cities they have not played in many years along with a return to the Los Angeles area with 2 nights at the 16,000 capacity Verizon Amphitheatre on Friday May 30 and Saturday May 31. Tickets for the majority of these shows will go on sale to the public on Saturday, March 1st. A special pre-sale will be made available exclusively to members of the Iron Maiden fan club, who will also be eligible to enter to be 'First to the stage barrier'. Full details can be found on http://www.ironmaiden.com. SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME – WORLD TOUR 08' USA TOUR DATES: (International dates can be found on http://www.ironmaiden.com) The "SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME – WORLD TOUR 08" was inspired by Maiden's recently released DVD, LIVE AFTER DEATH (New Door Records/Ume). Filmed and recorded over four spectacular nights at Long Beach Arena on the "Powerslave Tour" in 1985, this has long been a benchmark for rock concert videos and live albums, and the CD remains one of the biggest-selling live albums ever with sales in excess of six million worldwide. With the video having been largely unavailable for many years, the fan's massive interest in this legendary concert continues to this day with the DVD debuting at No. 1 on charts around the world (including The UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and Finland), as well as No 2 on the Billboard USA Chart and in Canada. This tour revisits the band's history by focusing almost entirely on their classic 80's period in both choice of songs played and the stage set, which is based around the legendary Egyptian Production of that 'Powerslave Tour' as portrayed on the Live After Death DVD. This will arguably be the most elaborate and spectacular show the band have ever presented. Furthermore the band intends to bring along for this summer leg of the tour the colossal mummy of Eddie, as featured on the Live After Death DVD, along with various other elements of the show that would not fit on their 757 on the first leg of this tour, which included the shows at the Forum and Izod Centre. Sadly no jumbo has a door big enough to fit in such a massive and imposing monster!!! Says vocalist Bruce Dickinson ; "We are all greatly looking forward to getting back to see our fans in places like Texas, the South West and Seattle where we haven't played for quite some time. And for this leg we will be able to bring along all Eddie's toys which we couldn't get on our plane during the first leg. We are all having a great time on this tour and really can't believe the excitement it is creating round the world and the huge numbers of people who are turning out to see us. It makes for a really very exciting time for all of us, fans and band alike" Maiden kicked off their record-breaking SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME WORLD TOUR 08 in Mumbai, India on Feb 1st, before it rolled into Australia and Japan earlier this month - their first visit to the country in 15 years. Sky News joined the band from departure in the UK through the Indian leg to document Maiden's enormous international profile They received an unprecedented amount of coverage which rolled across the network for two whole days. View the links below to experience the Maiden Boeing 757, the fan hysteria and exclusive footage of the first night of the tour in Mumbai. Channel 9 News in Australia also caught up with the band landing in Sydney and cameras around the world are expected to follow the band throughout this tour. This tour, during which Maiden is expected to play to more than 1.5 million fans in the next six months, sees Iron Maiden consolidate their reputation as one of the greatest live acts on the planet and also one of the biggest ticket-selling bands ever. 'Maiden Mania' is currently gripping countries around the world as tickets for the 2008 World Tour flew out of box offices everywhere when they went on sale last year. On the first leg in Feb/Mar alone, tickets in San Paolo, Brazil, at the 42,000 capacity Palmeiras Stadium sold out in just a week ; Mexico City's 22,000 capacity Sports Arena sold out in a record-breaking four days leading to the show being moved to the 51,000 Foro Sol Stadium, which is already sold out too; a first ever visit to Colombia, where first day ticket sales were the biggest for any music event there ever, saw the Simon Bolivar Stadium in Bogota sell out the 30,000 original capacity in 10 days and this has now been extended to 50,000; 14,000 capacity arenas in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, sold out in less than half an hour with second shows being added in both cities and the band playing to 70,000 fans there; 25,000 fans in each of Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica have already snapped up all availa ble tickets with the promoter asking the venues if he can get more fans in to see the show. The story continues in North America where shows in major arenas in LA, New York, Toronto sold out weeks in advance; and in the summer, when Maiden take the show around the stadiums of Europe, 125,000 tickets were sold in just over 2 hours last November for three stadium shows in Sweden and Finland! Being able to tour the Southern Hemisphere in such a concentrated way is all due to the band taking their own plane – along with their entire 50-man crew, 12 tons of equipment and stage set – around the world with Astraeus Airline Captain Bruce Dickinson at the helm. As The Age in Australia reports: "Some bands achieve such colossal levels of success that they get to ride in their own jet. But very few actually fly the damn things themselves. British heavy metal kings Iron Maiden have taken the DIY ethos to a new level – albeit with a much bigger budget than most heavy metal bands – when singer Bruce Dickinson flew his band into the country this week in a specially refitted Boeing 757." Morningstar Records are proud to present C-T PREVAIL's debut album "MEAN SEASON". The releasedate is set to March 10th.Prepare for a headbreaking blend of brutal metal, thrash and hardcore from one of Norways most promising young bands! C-T Prevail was formed in the year 2000 by Gorelord live guitarist Hansi Brosstad and has since then played several live shows in Norway and Europe. The band has a good reputation in the Norwegian underground, and after releasing the EP "The remains of the fire" in 2003, they are now ready to release their debut album on Morningstar Records with Plastichead handling the distribution. The album was recorded in Godt Selskap Studios (Necrophagia, Keep of Kalessin, Manifest). Catch them live as support to the mighty Entombed at their upcoming gig in Oslo in March! A European summer-tour alongside Necrophagia is also being planned. C-T Prevail's debut album "Mean Season" is expected to be one of the biggest happenings in the Norwegian underground Metal scene 2008. "Add a dose of Meshuggah or Sepultura and put it into a new thrash-setting, and then you know what C-T Prevail sounds like. It's heavy as a brick wall right from the start and this is one for all the headbangers out there". Erik Arlov - metal-norge.com Listen to their music here: http://www.myspace.com/ctprevail WINGER Joins The PHOENIX RISING! MUSICIANS UNITED To Benefit the Victims of the Station Nightclub FireBiggest lineup of stars ever on one stage in history of Dunkin' Donuts Center HOLLYWOOD (February 20, 2008) – WINGER joins their fellow rockers in raising funds for the families and survivors of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island. The charity event marks the fifth anniversary of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in U.S. history. 100 lives were lost, 200 others were seriously injured and 65 children lost one or both parents. Five years later, funds available for the survivors are woefully inadequate. Only 15 survivors of the fire qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still unable to meet their monthly needs. Dee Snider stated, "This event is about music fans desperately in need, so it's important that "Phoenix Rising Musicians United to Benefit the Station Nightclub Fire Victims" be supported by musicians of all genres. We are so happy to welcome John Rich and his rowdy friends aboard for this very important mission." John Rich (Big & Rich), Alabama's Randy Owen, Dierks Bentley, Kellie Pickler and Gretchen Wilson will be joining Aaron Lewis (Staind), Tesla, Twisted Sister, Kevin Max and Stryper featuring Tom Scholz and Gary Pihl of Boston and just added, Winger, among others. All of the artists will be performing live on Monday, February 25, 2008 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. John Rich will host the country portion of the concert while Dee Snider will do the honors for the rock segments. Emmy-nominated composer and musician Marc Bonilla who will serve as music director for the benefit, Carmine Appice's SLAM!, Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Danny Seraphine with CTA, Gary Hoey and others still to be announced. All proceeds from ticket sales and charity auctions benefit the Station Family Fund, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded by survivors of the Station Nightclub fire. The Station Family Fund is committed to providing survivor relief, including costs of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. The Station Family Fund, founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the fire and the Wake Up To Love Foundation founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta, his wife, Phyllis Luccketta are event organizers. While $100,000.00 was raised in 2005 from a benefit concert featuring Tesla, Shinedown, Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, those funds are in desperate need of replenishing. Tickets are available at the Dunkin' Donuts Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 401-331-2211, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $41.00 to $61.00. For further information on the Station Family Fund and their work, please visit: http://www.stationfamilyfund.org. AS I LAY DYING LAUNCHES N. AMERICAN TOURACCLAIMED ROCKERS TAKE THEIR SHOW ON THE ROADSan Diego, CA - Recent Grammy Nominees, AS I LAY DYING, will continue their mastery of the road into the Spring, hitting cities throughout the US and Canada from Apr-22 thru May-23. Joining Tim, Nick, Phil, Jordan and Josh on this North American run will be friends August Burns Red, Misery Signals & Evergreen Terrace. “It seems like we've played with every heavy band under the sun EXCEPT Misery Signals, who are a pretty sick band, so we figured it was about time,” says guitarist Nick Hipa. “As for August Burns Red and Evergreen Terrace, we're all pretty much joined at the hip.” With AS I LAY DYING’s latest release, AN OCEAN BETWEEN US, the stakes have been raised. Their previous effort, SHADOWS ARE SECURITY, took them to about 300,000 in sales and took them around the world on such varied tours like TASTE OF CHAOS, OZZFEST, SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND and WARPED TOUR among others. Few bands can speak to such diverse audiences. Media kudos followed, with covers of OUTBURN and METAL EDGE magazines as well as the acceptance of the band into the world of pop culture with recent TV coverage on THE TONIGHT SHOW, THE DAILY HABIT and LA INK among many other outlets. This will be As I Lay Dying’s first time in nearly 3 years to be playing many of these cities, especially in Canada. They had recently been on festivals that took them into select Canadian markets. “Our shows will definitely be a lot more intimate than what we did on the more festival-style shows.”, says Hipa. “Moshing, crowd surfing, stage diving. I'm sure that will all be taking place more frequently on this tour!” Catch AS I LAY DYING on the road: UNICORN DIGITAL NEW RELEASETALISMA Quelque Part UNCR-5051 UNICORN DIGITAL is proud to announce the release of Canadian instrumental progressive rock band Talisma third album entitled Quelque Part. Talisma who has been making waves into the progressive rock world for the past 5 years, has released two successful album, Corpus in 2003 and Chromium in 2005. Following the footsteps of Spaced Out, Talisma has gained over the years a great reputation, thanks to 2 albums that are still to this day among the best selling CDs at Unicorn Digital. Quelque Part features some of the best work from Talisma to date, along with the band current line-up, Talisma is joined on this new CD by some guess musicians and the beautiful voice of Florence Bélanger. =More great Music from Talisma: TALISMA – CHROMIUM UNCR-5023 TALISMA – CORPUS UNCR-5009 QUELQUE PART, the new Talisma CD is available now MP3 Samples available at http://www.unicornrecords.com/mp3.html UNICORN DIGITAL Inc. Long Island based Hardcore band THIS IS HELL, recently sat down with Buckshot out in the snow at the Woozyfly's office to talk about their new CD titled "Misfortunes" that will be released through Trustkill Records on February 19th. THIS IS HELL will be supporting their new release headinglining their North American Last Days Campaign Tour with ELYSIA, RUINER and SOLDIERS before heading over to the UK for the Kerrang! Magazine Most Wanted Tour. You can check out the THIS IS HELL interview at Buckshots Bonanza on WOOZYFLY.com here at this location http://www.woozyfly.com/buckshotsbonanza THIS IS HELL TOUR DATES Twist one up and create your own buzz at http://www.Woozyfly.com DEMON HUNTER ANNOUNCES "STRONGER THAN HELL TOUR"With Newly Reunited Living Sacrifice As Special Guests Demon Hunter will launch their "Stronger Than Hell Tour" this summer in support of the band's brand new album for Solid State Records, Storm The Gates Of Hell. - "The Stronger Than Hell Tour will definitely be an amazing experience for everyone involved," said singer Ryan Clark, who co-founded Demon Hunter with his guitarist brother Don shortly before the release of their self-titled debut album in 2002. "We can't wait to play some new material and get to know more of our amazing fans." "I can't tell you how excited we are to get back out there on the road and play some new songs along with the crowd favorites," added Don, who recently attended the 2008 Grammy Awards as a nominee in the graphic design / packaging category (Ryan Clark was nominated last year and the year before). The Stronger Than Hell Tour will feature special guest Living Sacrifice, the legendary metal band whose alumnus went on to join bands like Evanescence and P.O.D.. This will be their first tour since reuniting. The tour lineup is rounded out by Demon Hunter's labelmates in Oh, Sleeper as well as The Famine (featuring former Demon Hunter guitarist Chris McCaddon) and North Carolina's Advent. "The members of Demon Hunter are ecstatic about the lineup," said Ryan Clark. "It features many of our old friends in both reunited and amazing new bands. For us, it's a bit of a family reunion." Demon Hunter recently completed a video for "Carry Me Down," the second single from Storm The Gates Of Hell. The group was named one of "10 Artists to Watch" by AOL Music and featured on the cover of Revolver for their 2006 "Christian Metal" story. Demon Hunter's fans are some of the most dedicated in heavy metal. Check out their MySpace page to see the Demon Hunter logo tattoos that adorn many of their bodies. Demon Hunter's first album was released in 2002 and remains a classic to the group's loyal "Hunters." Summer Of Darkness arrived in 2004, bringing with it fan beloved songs like "Not Ready To Die" and "My Heartstrings Come Undone." The Triptych followed just a year later and has sold over 100,000 copies in the United States, featuring the MTV2 Headbanger's Ball staples "Undying" and "One Thousand Apologies." Don and Ryan Clark are also the founders of Invisible Creature design studio, working on projects for a diverse group of clients including Foo Fighters, Korn, Chris Cornell, Bleeding Through, Throwdown and more. The Clarks have been nominated at the Grammys the last three years consecutively for their design work. All confirmed tour dates can be found on http://www.DemonHunter.net, http://www.myspace.com/demonhunter, http://www.trig.com/demonhunter. http://www.SolidStateRecords.com TOUR DATES: THE HOTTNESS SIGN TO FERRET! “STAY CLASSY†OUT ONAPRIL 29thWilmington NC’s The Hottness have signed with Ferret Music. The five piece have become a hot commodity with their bastardization of punk with dirty rock leanings, metal stomping riffs and a southern flair. “We’re just ugly, unhealthy guys who know how to play music and love it more than anything†vocalist Adam says. On signing to Ferret Adam speaks for the band when he says “When we started we always used to fantasize about signing with a label like Ferret where we respected and love most of the artists on. We weren’t even in the mindset of approaching them and it turned out Carl (Severson, Ferret) heard our music and got in touch with us.†The group will re-release their debut full-length Stay Classy on Ferret this April and they feel it’s a good example of their live energy. Adam relates “The album was recorded in three days in a bedroom knocking out the instruments in one day and vocals on another, it’s as raw and energized as possible.†Currently on a headlining tour, the band has lived on the road for the past four years. They originally went on a two week tour just a month after they formed with only six songs to their name just to get the experience in. “We weren’t supposed to headline this current tour but the headlining band had van problems so instead of canceling, we switched to a headline tour even though it was late shows and most kids can’t even stay out as late as we play, this is what we do, we never thought of canceling.†Look for the band on the Artery Foundation Across The Nation Tour with A Skylit Drive, Before Their Eyes, Memphis May Fire, Dance Gavin Dance and more. Tour dates at: http://www.myspace.com/thehottness Brazilian Drowned will start on March 06, 2008, in Germany, its first European Tour, called "Old World Violence Tour", with gigs in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Switzerland and The Netherlands. Drowned will divide stage with the bands Nobody's Fear, Indyus, Bloodhunt, Bleak Prospects, Esceype and Boiling Blood. Cogumelo Records released the last album of those Brazilian metal heads, Bio-Violence. See some dates below: 06/03/2008 Taunusstein-Neuhof, Germany – tba For up-dates and bookings, access http://www.myspace.com\drownedmetal. 36 CRAZYFISTS SET TO RELEASE "THE TIDE AND ITS TAKERS" MAY 27…UPCOMING US TOURS ANNOUNCED!!!Alaska-based rockers 36 Crazyfists have announced a May 27 release date for their forthcoming album The Tide And Its Takers. The record, originally slated for release on April 29, marks 36 Crazyfists' Ferret Music debut. The Tide And Its Takers is produced by guitarist Steve Holt and mixed by the venerable and prolific Andy Sneap (Testament, Machine Head, Chimaira). 36 Crazyfists were just in Alaska filming the music video for the album's first single, "We Gave It Hell." The band tapped director Soren (Behemoth, Unearth, Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster) for the video. The band is also gearing up for the upcoming "Bound By The Road" tour with DevilDriver, which kicks off February 27 in Modesto. The tour also features Napalm Death, Walls of Jericho and Invitro. 36 Crazyfists will be making their first appearance on a major US festival tour when they play this summer's inaugural Rockstar Energy MAYHEM Festival. The festival features Slipknot, Disturbed, and Dragonforce headlining, with 36 Crazyfists landing a spot on the Jagermeister Second Stage. Don't miss your chance to catch 36 Crazyfists on tour with DevilDriver this spring, and stay tuned for MAYHEM Festival dates. The Tide And Its Takers hits streets May 27!!! 36 Crazyfists on the "Bound By The Road" tour: 3 ANNOUNCES PROGRESSIVE NATION TOUR DATES!!! "THE END IS BEGUN" SPECIAL EDITION HITS STREETS FEBRUARY 18!!Prog-rockers 3 are pleased to announce that they will be performing on the Progressive Nation tour this spring! The Progressive Nation features prog-metal extraordinaires Dream Theater, Swedish death metal kings Opeth, and the highly acclaimed Between The Buried and Me. The tour kicks off in Los Angeles on May 2 and wraps up June in Tampa, FL. 3 will be taking part in the Progressive Nation tour to support of the February 19 re-release of their latest album, "The End Is Begun." The Special Edition of the album features a cover of Pink Floyd's "See Emily Play," as well as a bonus DVD featuring live footage of the band's performance at the Metal Blade 25th Anniversary show from Worcester, Massachusetts and music videos for the songs "All that Remains" and "Alien Angel." Be sure to catch 3 on tour this spring and don't miss the February 19 re-release of "The End Is Begun." 3 on Tour w/ Dream Theatre, Opeth, Between the Buried and Me: FRIENDS OF SCOZZ CHARITY BENEFITA Benefit For Mary Beth One thing about the music community is that we pull together when a friend is in need. Scozz, the drummer for Asphalt Valentine, is currently facing some difficult challenges. His wife and love of his life, Mary Beth is very ill. Aside from the obvious emotional struggles they both are facing, the medical costs have simply become overbearing. All we can do for the emotional challenges is hope for a speedy recovery and keep them both in our thoughts and prayers. For the financial challenges, WE CAN DO SOMETHING... CHAVIS RECORDS and LANE PRODUCTIONS in association with THE FRIENDS OF SCOZZ FOUNDATION announce the charity event, A Benefit For Mary Beth. The event is being held on March 21, 2008 at Shakers Nite Club in Cambridge, OH. Performing on this night will be Britny Fox, Asphalt Valentine, A Nervous Wreck, American Angel, and The Dogs Divine. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the door. The night will be filled with great performances, plenty of food and drink, raffles and more. For those that cannot attend but still want to help can still do so. We are setting up a LIVE PAY PER VIEW WEBCAST of the event. The cost is still $5.00. Funds raised from the event will be donated to THE FRIENDS OF SCOZZ FOUNDATION. Click here to purchase tickets, purchase the webcast or make a donation. Visit http://www.chavisrecords.net and http://www.myspace.com/chavisrecords for more information. Details on how to view the LIVE webcast are forthcoming. Thank you for your support. Sevendust New Studio Album Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow, With Special Guest Appearances By Chris Daughtry And Members Of Alter Bridge Out April 1st 2008 –Don't Miss Sevendust As Part Of The First Annual Mayhem Festival with Slipknot And Disturbed. On April 1, 7Bros. Records in conjunction with Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group are set to release Sevendust' seventh studio release titled, Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow. Produced by Sean Groove, Morgan Rose & John Connolly in Atlanta, GA at Tree Sounds Studios. Hope & Sorrow will be their second release on the band's wholly owned record label. For the first time since Animosity (2001), the band has collaborated with outside artists. Chris Daughtry, a longtime fan of Sevendust's, will appear on the album as well as members of Alter Bridge. Chris Daughtry appears on the track "The Past" while Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge guests on "Hope" and Miles Kennedy of Alter Bridge on "Sorrow." Sevendust felt bringing in some outside friends added a healthy dynamic for the project. Additionally, the band has signed on new management and feels like is a fresh new beginning for 2008. Sevendust has been announced as part of the first annual Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, a riotous road show packed with some of hard music's most influential artists and a plethora of the genre's most exciting young voices. The tour is set to kick off July 9th at the White River Amphitheatre in Seattle and will hit 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada between early July and late August (full itinerary to be announced in the coming weeks). Sevendust joins headliners Slipknot and Disturbed along with Dragonforce, Mastodon, Airbourne, Black Tide, Five Finger Death Punch and more. "It was a challenging and exciting to write. We've spent so much time with angst over our career that is was nice to in a good head space for a change while working on this project." Morgan Rose, Drums "There was a really relaxed vibe in the studio this time around. I think Hope and Sorrow shows a different side of Sevendust. Heavy but yet still growing in a direction that explores a lot of different things musically for us. I'm excited about the album." LaJon Witherspoon, Vocals Confirmed Track Listing For Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow Hope & Sorrow Album Artwork + New Pics: 3/15 – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, VIC Acclaimed Southern California heavy fusioneers COSMOSQUAD, featuring guitarist Jeff Kollman (GLENN HUGHES, MOGG/WAY), bassist Christopher Maloney (DWEEZIL ZAPPA, HARDLINE), and drummer Shane Gaalaas (B'Z, DIESEL MACHINE), have announced their first ever Japanese shows. The band will be playing a pair of double headers (showtime: 7pm and 9pm) in Osaka and Tokyo and also appear at the Musicians Institute in Tokyo (open to students only!). A Los Angeles area show has been booked for April 4 at the Baked Potato in North Hollywood. Exact dates and venues are as follows: March 12 - Live Square 2nd Line, Osaka, Japan March 14 - Shibuya Duo Music Exchange, Tokyo, Japan March 15 - Musicians Institute, Tokyo, Japan April 4 - Baked Potato, North Hollywood, CA In other news, Kollman will be officially unveiling his new instrumental 70's funk/rock/fusion venture THE BOMBASTIC MEATBATS, also featuring fellow Glenn Hughes alumni Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) on drums and Ed Roth on keyboards, along with bassist Kevin Chown, with two shows at the Baked Potato (showtimes are 9pm and 11pm) on Saturday, March 1. The MEATBATS are scheduled to head to Japan for a tour in late April where they will be playing the following dates: April 21 - Live House enn, Sendai (Doors: 19:00 / Show Time: 19:30) http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~enn/ The group's upcoming 11-song debut CD is finished and mastered. Recorded analog and live in the studio in a mere two days, the disc was co-produced by Jono Brown. Songs include 'Need Strange', 'Battle For Ventura Blvd', 'Night Sweats', 'Big Feet', 'Lola', and 'Roller Girl.' Footage of the MEATBALLS' inaugural live performance at this year's NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA DEMON HUNTER ANNOUNCES "STRONGER THAN HELL TOUR"With Newly Reunited Living Sacrifice As Special Guests Demon Hunter will launch their "Stronger Than Hell Tour" this summer in support of the band's brand new album for Solid State Records, Storm The Gates Of Hell. "The Stronger Than Hell Tour will definitely be an amazing experience for everyone involved," said singer Ryan Clark, who co-founded Demon Hunter with his guitarist brother Don shortly before the release of their self-titled debut album in 2002. "We can't wait to play some new material and get to know more of our amazing fans." "I can't tell you how excited we are to get back out there on the road and play some new songs along with the crowd favorites," added Don, who recently attended the 2008 Grammy Awards as a nominee in the graphic design / packaging category (Ryan Clark was nominated last year and the year before). The Stronger Than Hell Tour will feature special guest Living Sacrifice, the legendary metal band whose alumnus went on to join bands like Evanescence and P.O.D.. This will be their first tour since reuniting. The tour lineup is rounded out by Demon Hunter's labelmates in Oh, Sleeper as well as The Famine (featuring former Demon Hunter guitarist Chris McCaddon) and North Carolina's Advent. "The members of Demon Hunter are ecstatic about the lineup," said Ryan Clark. "It features many of our old friends in both reunited and amazing new bands. For us, it's a bit of a family reunion." Demon Hunter recently completed a video for "Carry Me Down," the second single from Storm The Gates Of Hell. The group was named one of "10 Artists to Watch" by AOL Music and featured on the cover of Revolver for their 2006 "Christian Metal" story. Demon Hunter's fans are some of the most dedicated in heavy metal. Check out their MySpace page to see the Demon Hunter logo tattoos that adorn many of their bodies. Demon Hunter's first album was released in 2002 and remains a classic to the group's loyal "Hunters." Summer Of Darkness arrived in 2004, bringing with it fan beloved songs like "Not Ready To Die" and "My Heartstrings Come Undone." The Triptych followed just a year later and has sold over 100,000 copies in the United States, featuring the MTV2 Headbanger's Ball staples "Undying" and "One Thousand Apologies." Don and Ryan Clark are also the founders of Invisible Creature design studio, working on projects for a diverse group of clients including Foo Fighters, Korn, Chris Cornell, Bleeding Through, Throwdown and more. The Clarks have been nominated at the Grammys the last three years consecutively for their design work. All confirmed tour dates can be found on http://www.DemonHunter.net, http://www.myspace.com/demonhunter, http://www.trig.com/demonhunter. http://www.SolidStateRecords.com TOUR DATES: UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC ROCK FAVORITES 3 DOORS DOWN TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM MAY 6(New York, NY, February 14, 2008) Universal Republic rock icons 3 Doors Down will release their fourth studio album May 6. The self-titled follow-up to their platinum-plus 2005 effort, Seventeen Days, embodies the fiery passion and creative maturation of a quintessential American rock band at the top of its game. The first single, “It’s Not My Time,†is scheduled to hit radio on February 19. With nearly 13 million albums sold worldwide, the melodic/tough-around-the-edges Mississippi/Nashville-based band emerged at the top of the decade and rewrote the script for nailing down commercial success and securing rabid fan appeal without bowing to trends or compromising their grassroots approach. Braced by frontman Brad Arnold’s enduring vocal power, the group surprised the world with their 2000 major label multi-platinum debut album A Better Life. Epic #1 singles followed, like the mega-hit signature “Kryptonite,†“Duck & Run,†and “When I’m Gone,†(from 2003’s spiraling epic Away From The Sun). By mid-decade, 3 Doors Down had put the rock world on notice with a streak of blazing successes, notching never-before-reached mileposts like becoming the first debut act in Billboard history to have a #1 single (“Kryptoniteâ€) at four different radio formats. Now considered one of the music world’s most consistent front-and-center rock acts, other highpoints include an American Music Award in 2000 for Best New Artist, and two 2003 Billboard Music Awards for Best Rock/Pop Group and Best Hot 100 Single for the #1 most played song of the year, the piercing “When I’m Gone.†Long hailed for their effervescent live show (known to strike up over 250 shows a year when the 3 Doors Down juggernaut is at full sail), the band has hinted that their upcoming new album was forged during an ‘intense period of growth and soul searching’ for the group, with early taste-testers calling it a ‘defining, gut-driven’ effort, stoking the embers of the band’s interpersonal chemistry as well as its oft-mentioned stature as keepers of the heritage rock flame. Fans eager to get a much-needed boost of the new 3 Doors Down won’t have to wait much longer, with the new single “It’s Not My Time†already creating a behind-the-scenes and internet buzz even before its nationwide debut. SOUL STEALER – new name on Ledo Takas rosterLithuanian heavy metal band changes the name and signs the deal with Ledo Takas Records Soul Brothers, traditional heavy metal band from Vilnius, Lithuania, active since 2003, which has caused a new wave of interest in pure undiluted harmonious and spine-chilling metal as a genre to Lithuanian public, aims for new heights. For a few years their gigs keep packing clubs and halls with a solid devoted fanbase, due to excellently arranged and executed material, able to make walls vibrate. The ambitious five-piece has yet stirred a massive interest this winter, after their much promising frontman Jeronimas Milius has won national Eurovision contest and will represent Lithuania in European competition in Serbia, later in May 2008. Not the least, the guitarist Enrikas Slavinskis has been a part of OBTEST line up for a few years already. Finally, it's time for a breakthrough. The band returns with the new SOUL STEALER moniker, a deal with Ledo Takas Records and the debut album, to be unleashed literally in no time. Self-titled full-length record, scheduled for release yet this spring, contains to the gig goers already well familiar songs. As we speak off, this upcoming SOUL STEALER album is being intensively mixed at Thrigger Sound studio in Vilnius. Along with the album premier, SOUL STEALER promise to renew their live activities, starting with the album presentation fiesta later in the year. http://www.ledotakas.net Suicide Squeeze signs sBACHFrom the brainchild of (one half of) legendary Sacramento noise-duo Hella, Spencer Seim, comes the new project entitled sBACH. The record is set for release on August 19 and Seim promises to have no idea what the record will sound like until he sits down to record, but thinks it will sound something like his half of the landmark Hella record "Church Gone Wild, Chirpin Hard" (Chirpin Hard being Seim's contribution). Known for his brand of 16-bit Nintendo-spazz guitar madness, sBACH will surely scramble brains around the world. Seim also promises to take his new project on the road, which is awesome because he rips the axe like nobody's business. Be sure to befriend sBACH on Myspace, make him feel special. PEARL TO TOUR WITH VELVET REVOLVER IN THE UKHOLLYWOOD (February 14, 2008) – PEARL, a name all together fresh and rooted in rock 'n' roll history, is flying onto the music scene breaking the social traditions that have become the U.S. rock norm. Headed up by the whiskey soaked voice of Pearl Aday, daughter of music icon Meat Loaf, this album will smash through the anonymity and secure her rightful place in rock history. Pearl Aday has an innate talent capable of conveying powerful emotion through heart-stomping, primal, rock-and-roll singing. "There is no real female rock anymore," states Aday. "I will be the chick to bring it back." In the veins of Janis Joplin, Aerosmith and all great hard rock blues filled artists, PEARL's debut album is explosive, crushing, real and soulful with it's natural fusion of blues and rock.. Aday's vocal intensity proves a perfect match for the high-energy music of PEARL. "I grew up surrounded by rock 'n' roll, soul, blues, funk, and country. It's what I love. It's what I'm made of. It's in my blood." PEARL was produced and engineered by Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age). Aday is backed by the musical talent of Scott Ian (Anthrax), and Jim Wilson (lead Guitar/vocals), Marcus Blake (bass/vocals), and Matt Tecu (drums) of the band Mother Superior, with special performances by Ted Nugent on the blistering track "Check Out Charlie", and Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) on the dark and beautiful track "Anything". All the songs are of a very personal nature for Aday in speaking of her lyrics. "Check Out Charlie is about the lessons I've learned with sex drugs and rock n roll." She goes on to say, "The song is so rockin', and it's got Ted Nugent and Scott Ian going back and forth on guitar." Coming from a musical background and being the daughter of Meat Loaf led Aday into music from an early age. "I don't remember when I discovered I could sing. I was always singing. As a little girl I was singing all the time putting on shows for everyone." Eventually, Pearl was singing on stage with her father, Meat Loaf, touring the world for 9 years. Pearl also joined Motley Crue on their Maximum Rock world tour in 2000. Shortly after, she stepped out on her own, and began recording her solo original material. PEARL will be joining Velvet Revolver on tour in the UK this March 2008. "I'm really looking forward to coming to the UK", exclaims Aday. "Especially with such an iconic band as Velvet Revolver. I'm ready. I am so ready. Let's go! We're gonna tear it up!" TOUR DATES FOR THE UK: THE SECOND COMING OF SAHGTRENTON, N.J. - The new masters of doom, Norway's Sahg, are set to unveil their latest masterpiece, the simply named "Sahg II," on March 18 on Regain Records. While the band's 2006 debut, "Sahg I," established the band as a force to be reckoned with in doom metal, "Sahg II" proves the band's staying power. Taking inspiration from the forefathers of all things heavy – Black Sabbath – Sahg creates its own interpretation of retro, trippy, heavy music, based around memorable, ear-catching riffs. "This album is definitely a big step forward for us, both musically and technically/sound-wise," said guitarist/vocalist Olav Iversen. "The songs are more diverse on 'Sahg II' because we have allowed ourselves to think more freely and be more receptive to a wider range of inspiration. There are so many directions we want to explore with this band, and this is just what we had time for in this round." While the band focused on learning from past mistakes, the recording process itself turned out to be a bit of a challenge for Sahg, with the recording studio being torn to the ground by the landlord after recording just three songs. Undeterred, they used a tiny rehearsal room as a temporary studio while seeking out another location. They soon settled at Audiopilot Studio in their native town of Bergen, Norway, a studio by the ocean, full of vintage guitar amps, effects, tape machines, and a Fender Rhodes piano. It was the perfect summer setting for Sahg to record. And then the technical problems started. "It really felt like being under some vicious spell," Iversen said. "But, finally, we landed it, with a bunch of pretty intense recordings in our hands that are very much colored by the strife and frustration we were in. All the hardship turned into something good." http://www.sahgweb.com MISERY SIGNALS add dates to European tourMISERY SIGNALS have slotted in an extra UK show at Luton on their upcoming European tour on April 5th. Their London show will now follow on the 6th. Also added are dates in Orebro, Sweden on April 9th and Enns, Austria on the 15th. MISERY SIGNALS + August Burns Red + Emmure MISERY SIGNALS IN STUDIO TO RECORD NEW ALBUM FOR FERRET MUSIC THIS FEB TO BE PRODUCED BY DEVIN TOWNSEND “Misery Signals has risen the bar for all modern metalcore bands, let’s just hope they all get the memo.†Absolute Punk.net Misery Signals has announced that they will be stepping into the studio this week to begin the recording process for their third Ferret Music full length, album title TBA. The band will be recording with Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, Darkest Hour, Soilwork), and are excited about working with him again, tells bassist Kyle Johnson, “Devin has this awesome new set-up and new gear, so that’s exciting. Recording with him is a good experience, and we intend on using him as producer as well. He always makes great contributions and suggestions to the songs, and he is really understanding about what kind of sound we are going for.†Townsend himself is gearing up for a momentous experience, saying that "This is gonna be a record that brings the band to a new level. The rock will continue to roll in a fastidious way." The band is well along in the process of writing, tells Johnson, “Musically the songs are written, but lyrically we are still writing. Basically, we took both records and put them together, with a new sound mixed in as well. This will be a little more straightforward than the last two albums, and for the most part it’s influenced by what we are into personally. It’s definitely more something that has parts that you can hold onto and that are memorable.†This is the band’s second album recorded with vocalist Karl Shubach, and he is happy to have comfortably settled into his role. “I feel like it's my band now, it's not Misery Signals plus Karl and I’m much more comfortable being part of what we represent. I also feel like music is more of my own, and I’m psyched about the new record, it’s got a lot of elements that weren’t in last one, a lot of parts that are just heavier with a lot of off-time polyrhythm like Meshuggah.†The new album is the follow up to 2006’s highly successful sophomore effort Mirrors, which Alternative Press listed in their 100 BANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW 2007 issue and Revolver as a BAND TO WATCH saying, “A relentlessly ambitious melodic, metalcore band with a knack for exhausting members with their take-no-prisoners touring schedule.†Metal Edge chimed in recently with, “The album surpassed all expectations.†Online raves included Digital Metal.com: “Everything on Mirrors is bigger and better than Of Malice and the Magnum Heart (itself one of my favorite metalcore albums); the packaging, the production, the riffs, the density etc.†The band toured a ton in support of Mirrors, most recently wrapping up a US headlining tour with The Agony Scene, Emmure, and Sky Eats Airplane, and a full Canadian run with Shai Halud and The Human Abstract. Past touring partners include The Chariot, All that Remains, Darkest Hour, Dead to Fall, Norma Jean and Between The Buried And Me. Keep checking http://www.ferretstyle.com for album updates. RISE RECORDS ANNOUNCES SHOWCASE AT CORNERSTONE ’08: Rise Records has announced that they will be one of the sponsors of this Summer’s legendary Cornerstone Festival, on July 5th in Bushnell, IL. The label has been quite busy over the past year bulking up their roster with a ton of buzz-worthy, scene-making bands, and will be showcasing five of the newest on the Encore 2 Stage at Cornerstone! The showcase will feature Emarosa, Before Their Eyes, Here I Come Falling (HICF), Burden of A Day (BOAD), and Oceana. All of the bands will be quite busy for the months leading up to Cornerstone. Emarosa is about to step into the studio in March with Kris Crummett (Drop Dead Gorgeous, Dance Gavin Dance, Kaddisfly), to record their debut full length for Rise. The band has built up a ton of underground buzz through the internet and touring the country with bands such as The Devil Wears Prada. Before Their Eyes has also built their fan base through non-stop touring, going out over the past year with Escape the Fate and Love Hate Hero to name a few. They will be on the upcoming Artery Foundation Tour with A Skylit Drive, Dance Gavin Dance, and Four Letter Lie. Upon returning, they will head into the studio with Joey Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada, At the Throne of Judgment) to record their sophomore release for Rise. Springfield, MO based HICF have made a serious name for themselves in the Christian metal scene through their dissonant screamo laced passages mixed with technical metal fury, electronic elements and soaring melodic sections. They display all of this on their debut Oh Grave Where is Thy Victory which earned them a ton of praise. Popular music and lifestyle portal About.com saying “Oh Grave, Where Is Thy Victory has a lot of melody, and there are keyboards and electronics that add depth and texture to the band's sound. There are some mellow moments along with the aggressive, pummeling guitars.†The band is about to head out on the road on with Inhale Exhale and Gwen Stacy, and just finished up a string of dates with label mates Oceana. Averaging in at a tender 17-19 years old, Oceana create complex musical soundscapes on their debut The Tide, which is packed with waves of technical metal composition, thick melodic sections and textures of noise throughout. The band will be heading out on the Rise Vs Tragic Hero Tour with A Kiss for Jersey, A Different Breed of Killer, and Knives Exchanging Hands in March, but will complete a tour with Burden of A Day in the next few weeks. Set to release their debut Rise Records release Blessed Be Our Ever After on March 4th Burden of a Day is excited to unleash their medley of post-hardcore and screamo, heartfelt and melodic lyrics, and many a breakdown upon the world, ready or not. The album touches upon themes in the fairy tales and the moral thread that runs through society, but is a fun sing-a-long record at the same time. The band loves to play live, and has toured in the past with Inked in Blood, A Plea For Purging, War of Ages, Oh, Sleeper, My Children My Bride, With Blood Comes Cleansing, and Gwen Stacy. All of the bands are psyched about their Cornerstone 08 appearance, so stay tuned to http://www.riserecords.com for updates and details. CRUZ DEL SUR - label updatePHARAOH has completed the mixing of its third album, entitled Be Gone. Like its critically-acclaimed predecessor, The Longest Night, the new album was recorded with Matt Crooks at MCR Studios in Manassas, Virginia. Be Gone will now be mastered by Colin Davis of Imperial Mastering for a worldwide March release via the leading traditional heavy metal label Cruz del Sur Music. As a special treat for fans (and, it must be said, for the band themselves) the track "Dark New Life" features guest guitar solos from Mark Reale and Mike Flyntz from RIOT. Jim Dofka also appears for the third time on as many PHARAOH albums, contributing his extraordinary guitar chops to the song "No Remains". A release date, song samples, and cover art for Be Gone will be revealed in the coming weeks. PHARAOH will celebrate the new album and its ten-year history by performing live for the first time ever at Keep It True X on April 5, 2008, at Tauberfrankenhalle, Lauda-Königshofen, Germany. The festival is completely sold out as of September. For the occasion of their first live show ever, PHARAOH will be on stage with an extraordinary line-up featuring Hunter Ginn (CANVAS SOLARIS) on drums and guitarist Matt Crooks (DIVISION) as the second axe! To complete the news, we have finally a release-date which is set for the 24th of April 2008. Nevertheless a digipak limited edition will be released for the Keep It True festival, including an exclusive embroidered patch! We're very happy to announce the signing of Puerto Rico’s most famous metal band, DANTESCO! DANTESCO plays a very distinctive blend of epic doom metal, imagine something in between Candlemass and Mercyful Fate and you'll get the idea! Add to this the evocative voice and presence of one of the most peculiar and respected figures of the heavy metal movement, Erico La Bestia … And there you have it! DANTESCO’s offering, something absolutely unique that real heavy metal fans cannot miss! The band will self-release its second album Pagano in Puerto Rico while Cruz Del Sur Music's edition will have two exclusive bonus tracks and will be released on the 24th of April 2008. DANTESCO will tour Europe during April 2008 and Cruz Del Sur will release a limited edition slipcase and embroidered patch in time for their appearance at the Greek festival Up the Hammers and Keep It True festivals. http://www.myspace.com/dantescoepico Greek Epic metal’s heroes BATTLEROAR are actually in the recording studio, completing the recordings of their third album To Death and Beyond. Greek comic artist (Conan Greek edition) John Rubulias has been hired for the artwork, expect a real epic metal artwork! The album will see the light on the 24th of April, and although the band’s is working against time, we're sure they'll make it! Also in this case a Limited digipak edition will be released in time for the Up The Hammers festival, including a bonus track and an exclusive embroidered patch! Many of you already were aware that after the release of Road of Bones, IGNITOR was hit by two departures that inevitably put on ice their live-activity as well as the composition of new material: first left singer Erika, then it was the turn of guitarist Annah Moore. The band started looking out for replacement and the first, great result is that the search of a new guitarist has ended, having original guitarist Beverly Barrington rejoined the band! “We're excited about "re-igniting" the sparks of inspiration for songs like Demon Slayer and Last King Tiger†affirmed drummer Pat Boyle, expecting some good news on the vocal-front by the end of January. Stay tuned! http://www.myspace.com/ignitor LA’s CRESCENT SHIELD is working on the follow-up for their great late-2006 release, The Last of My Kind. The new album will be released by Cruz Del Sur after summer 2008, but some details are beginning to be unveiled such as that the album will be entitled, The Stars of Never Seen, and Gerry Alanguilan (Marvel/DC), after the excellent result of his cover-illustration for The Last of My Kind, will be again responsible of the artwork. Some of the most outstanding CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC bands will soon meet our old, beloved VINYL format! First of all IGNITOR’s Road of Bones will be released in April by the German vinyl label High Roller Records! We also proudly want to let you know that Germany's Pure Steel Records and Cruz Del Sur Music have signed a contract about co-operating in different ways in the future! That means that Pure Steel Records has acquired the rights to release on some superb Vinyl editions most of the great stuff which was released by Cruz Del Sur Music! The first results of this partnership will be the release of CRESCENT SHIELD's The Last Of My Kind and PHARAOH's The Longest Night on April 4th. Both albums will be released in a double gatefold edition and will be available at Keep It True Festival this year! For more information visit: http://www.high-roller-records.de, http://www.puresteel-recods.com http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com | http://www.myspace.com/cruzdelsurmusic NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES TENTH ANNIVERSARYWORCESTER, Mass. – This year will mark the tenth anniversary of the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, the largest and most successful metal festival in the United States. This year's show, presented by ESP, Randall, EMG, and exclusive magazine presenter Metal Maniacs Magazine, will take place the weekend of April 25-27 at the Palladium in Worcester, Mass., its home since its inception. Sumerian Records will sponsor the "Summer Slaughter Tour" second stage. The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival will present Gigantour featuring Megadeth, In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job for a Cowboy and High on Fire on Friday night. Saturday will be headlined by Dimmu Borgir, Shadows Fall, and Behemoth. Ministry, Meshuggah, and Nevermore will close out the festival on Sunday night. Other bands scheduled to perform include: A Life Once Lost, The Acacia Strain, After the Burial, Animosity, As Blood Runs Black, Belay My Last, Born of Osiris, Braindrill, Classic Struggle, Cockpunch!, Cold World, Dead to Fall, Demiricous, Dillinger Escape Plan, Disfear, Eluveitie, Elysia, Embrace the End, Emmure, The End, Ensiferum, First Blood, From a Second Story Window, Full Blown Chaos, The Ghost Inside, God Forbid, Hate Eternal, Hemlock, High on Fire, Impending Doom, Job for a Cowboy, Keep Of Kalessin, Kid Deposit Triumph, Ligeia, Mensrea, Monstrosity, Municipal Waste, On Broken Wings, Overkill, Recon, Red I Flight, Rhinoceros, Shai Halud, Shipwreck a.d., Since the Blood, Skeletonwitch, Sleeping Giant, Soilent Green, Sons of Azrael, Stick to Your Guns, Stray from the Path, Through the Eyes of the Dead, Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganze, Trap Them, Turisas, Tyr, Unexpect, Unholy, Vanna, Veil of Maya, Vital Remains, Waking the Cadaver, Winds of Plague, Withered, and Xtyr! antx. The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival is also sponsored by Metal Edge Magazine, Monster Energy, All In Merchandise, 518 Prints, The Syndicate, Mazur PR, Heavy Hitter, Scott Lee Clothing, and many more to be announced. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 15 at 10 a.m. EST. The cost is $47.50 for Friday, $45 for Saturday, $45 for Sunday, or $129 for a three-day pass. Tickets available at all Strawberries / FYE Stores, by calling (800) 477-6849 or online at http://www.tickets.com. http://www.metalandhardcorefestival.com MY KINGDOM MUSIC News: (http://www.myspace.com/tickettohellband) And the last act to join My Kingdom Music family is for sure what we consider as the next big thing from Poland after acts like DECAPITATED and the great legends of VADER and BEHEMOTH. They are SARATAN and will shock you on April 18 with "The Cult Of Vermin" and its aggressive Apokalyptic Thrash Death, a music that will annihilate you who are fans of bands like Testament, Slayer and... Nile. (http://www.myspace.com/saratanband) BANGKOK FIVE'S 'WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US' DUE OUT MAY 13THE BANGKOK FIVE RETURNS WITH 'WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US' DUE OUT MAY 13 ON LONG LIVE CRIME RECORDS February 12, 2008 -- Revered by Revolver magazine as "one more band you should know about," The Bangkok Five returns with their sophomore album, WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US, due out May 13 on Long Live Crime Records (distributed by MRI/ Red). "These songs were written by a band on the road being a band," explains lead guitarist Sweeney. "There is a brutality that you will hear in every guitar note, word and drum beat." WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US is the follow-up to the band's 2006 debut, WHO'S GONNA TAKE US ALIVE? (Universal). The first single from that album, "Spread Eagle," hit # 1 on several tastemaker indie rock radio stations across the country, leading to tours of Europe, Canada and the U.S. with bands such as Hot Hot Heat, The Cult, The Stooges, The Bronx, Buckcherry, (International) Noise Conspiracy and Papa Roach. The sophomore effort marks the first time the band--Frost (vocals), Sweeney (lead guitar), Coatez (bass), Blanco (drums), Bobby S. (guitar)--will release music in two languages, English and Spanish. As vocalist Frost explains the decision to make a bilingual album: "I left for Europe when I was a teenager to escape the banality of California life and the feeling that I had no future. I ended up in Spain and lived there for a few years, learning the language, the music, and the lifestyle. I started to DJ at various clubs and picked up a real love and deep respect for the scene. When I came back to Los Angeles, I discovered the Latino culture I loved was here all along, living, breathing and making great art. It was a natural progression to translate WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US into Spanish. This record is about L.A. and what goes on here. To ignore the Latin culture and its people would be to ignore the real Los Angeles." Produced by the band along with Manny Nieto (The Mars Volta, The Circle Jerks, The Breeders), WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US was recorded live to tape at Wetandry Studios in Echo Park, California. Manny also engineered and recorded the album. "When you record to tape, you have to play everything perfectly," says Frost. "It keeps the music really honest. We rehearsed until we felt we would go insane. In the world of Pro Tools, you can fix little things like a missing kick drum, or a bad note. The world of tape does not forgive anything, so you have to play it right or do it again. We used all of our own gear to keep it sounding like we do when we perform live. It's great because you can hear buzzing all over the tracks. There's no sterility here. This is warm and fuzzy analog music." The songs on WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US deal with the pain and uncertainty in the lives of the band as an exhaustive tour in support of their debut album left them with disrupted personal lives. Frost's girlfriend had to be put in rehab for drug addiction, while drummer Blanco came home to an empty house and a note from his fiancé wishing him luck in his life. She had enough of his rock & roll lifestyle and decided to leave him. One song in particular, "Outlines of Us," stems from a haunting, yet all too realistic experience while out on the road. "It's a torch song written about some ghosts we met at a flop house/hotel back east," says Frost. "We stayed the night at this shit hole and when we woke up in the morning, we realized we all had the same exact dream about hair, blood and brains that were splattered all over the walls of our room. We concluded there had been a murder/suicide there. So I romanticized a classic, archetypical 'if I can't have you, no one will' story about the anti-hero murdering his one and only true love, when he realizes she doesn't share his desire. The spurned lover then destroys everything, including himself, when he realizes she cannot be his." For Frost, The Bangkok Five is the only way he knows how to live, complete with all the ups and downs: "I am homeless and broke because of this thing I have to do called music. My father sent me to a shrink a couple of years ago to find out what was 'wrong with me.' After an hour, the psychologist concluded that I had 'John the Baptist Syndrome.' I will do this or I will go crazy, or kill myself. I consider myself afflicted. I owe the government thousands of dollars. I don't have a driver's license because it's been revoked. I don't have medical insurance. I have warrants out for my arrest. I don't care...I am a punk in the true sense of the word. The music I make has destroyed my life." Hence the album title: WE LOVE WHAT KILLS US. http://www.thebangkokfive.com LIGEIA BEGIN WORK ON NEW FULL LENGTH PRODUCED BY KEN SUSI (UNEARTH)Ferret Music artists, Ligeia have begun work on their sophomore full-length to be titled Bad News. As with their debut, the Producer’s chair is filled by Ken Susi (of Unearth). A spring/summer release date will be announced shortly. The band will also embark on a Spring tour with such artists as The Miles Between, Carniflex, With Blood Comes Cleansing, It Prevails and Unholy. Formed back in 2004 the band features Keith Holuk (vocals), Ryan Ober (guitar), Brandon Whipple (bass) and Nick Neumeister (drums). Ligeia’s sound features hardcore that integrates post hardcore melodies and metal grit. The band signed to Ferret after sharing a show with Carl Severson (of Ferret’s) band Nora. Ligeia has toured over the past few years with such artists as Haste The Day, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Misery Signals, Since By Man, Scarlet, Dead to Fall, From a Second Story Window, and August Burns Red. Tour dates with Since The Flood are below. dates w/ The Miles Between and Since The Flood SECRET AND WHISPER FILM VIDEO FOR XOXOXODEBUT ALBUM GREAT WHITE WHALE OUT ON TOOTH & NAIL TODAY!!! E-CARD HERE: BAND FEATURED ON MYSPACE.COM: WIN AN IPOD NANO FROM SECRET AND WHISPER! Tooth & Nail’s brightest new star Secret & Whisper are having a whirlwind February! The band just filmed their first ever music video for the song XOXOXO with director Danny Yourd (The Devil Wears Prada, Silverstein, War of Ages), and are very excited about how it turned out, tells bassist Jordan Chase “The video is really image based, and has Charles (vocalist) in a room, cranking an old Victrolla. Then it flashes to us, and we are playing inside the record player, sort of like mini versions of us in a box! The images of the video relate to the song, which is about everything falling apart, and as the video goes on the, the set falls apart.†The song is from the band’s upcoming full-length Great White Whale. Their music is as epic sounding as the album’s title with spacey but aggressive guitars, melodic and powerful vocals and ethereal rock with post-hardcore technicality. The album is filled with themes of loneliness, and the title track can well explain more, tells vocalist Charles Furney, “I was trying to express my feelings through a story about wanting something more than anything in your life and than losing it for the better. The story is about a boy who is the only human in this world and how in his loneliness he captures The Great White Whale, the king of the animals. He locks the beast in a tower for his own enjoyment but causes misery to the animals, which starts a huge uprising and he realizes that he has to let the whale go for the greater good.†Fans can preview the album on the E-Card at the above link. The band is holding a contest to win an Ipod Nano on their Myspace page as well. To enter, just go to the above link and enter the necessary info! In addition to the flurry of activity around the video and album release, there has been a ton of online buzz, including a feature on the Myspace Music homepage starting today and running for the next week, and a feature on Purevolume.com. Secret & Whisper will be taking the momentum cross country when they head out on a huge US tour with Still Remains and Gwen Stacy in March. The band recently completed tours with Far-Less, Number One Gun, Covette and Glass Ocean. Hailing from Kelowna, British Columbia, the group is composed of hometown friends, post-hardcore/screamo veterans and major label survivors, Furney formerly of thebleedingalarm and Bradyn Byron (guitar), Jordan Chase (bass), Jason Ciolli (guitar) and Ryan Loerke (drums) formerly of Stutterfly. See tour dates below. 3/26-4/18 With Still Remains and Gwen Stacy. 4/23-4/30 with Emarosa and Catherine. Date City Venue The Swedish death metal horde Demonical have the following news regarding their live activities : The show in Stockholm - with Necrophobic - has been pushed back a week due to a double-booking (by the venue). Also, one more Swedish show has been nailed and more is on the way.... Here is a list of all so far confirmed Demonical battles: http://www.myspace.com/dreamtidemusic Race for the Piece, 5k Run / Walk for Autism Speaks Inaugural Event to Take Place April 26th, 2008 In Zionsville, IndianaZionsville, Indiana: The inaugural year for the Race for the Piece to take place April 26th, 2008 in Zionsville Indiana's Starkey Park. The coordinator for the event is Mark LeFay, manager of Haste The Day, Still Remains, Gwen Stacy and more. This 5k run / walk will kick off at 8:30 AM with the race starting at 9:00 AM. Participants of all ages are encouraged to take part in the race which aims to benefit Autism Speaks which is newly merged with Cure Autism Now. More information on the organization, Autism Speaks, can be found at http://www.autismspeaks.org. Race participants are required to make a minimum donation of $15.00 to participate. Participants will receive a race shirt and a sense of goodwill from participating in a good cause. Registration will run up to the day of the event but don't wait until then! "We are really excited about the race. It has been incredible to see how many people have friends and family that are living with Autism. We hope this year goes well and really lays a foundation for future events. We know we can't change the world but if we all work together we can make an impact!" says LaFay. If you would like more information on the event, you can visit the race myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/zionsvilleautismrace If you would like to Donate or register, you can do so here: http://www.cangivenow.org/06give/zionsville5k Inquiries, contact Mark LaFay mark@middlecoastmanagement.com / 317-238-3587 SENSORY - new North American signingsSensory Records is proud to unleash a trio of epic new releases all licensed for North America from various European labels. Nation Beyond's album The Aftermath Odyssey is licensed from Burning Star Records (Greece) and hits the streets March 11th. Dark Suns' album Grave Human Genuine is licensed from Prophecy Productions (Germany) and comes out March 25th, alongside Kingfisher Sky's album Hallway of Dreams is licensed from Suburban Records (Netherlands). In the past few years SENSORY has presented the metal community with a number of amazing debut releases. Bands such as CIRCUS MAXIMUS and PATHOSRAY are generating maximum buzz and sales continue to climb. NATION BEYOND is our latest discovery and we are proud to introduce them to North America. R NATION BEYOND began life as a side project from DEBASE guitarist JONAS KARLGREN and FACE DOWN bassist JOAKIM HEDESTEDT. These two industrial/death metal bands have a multitude of releases between them on labels such as NUCLEAR BLAST, BLACK LODGE and SANCTUARY/NOISE. It was the desire to create an epic concept album with a different musical direction that united these two talented musicians together. Using Debase and Face Down bandmates as well as some fresh new faces, they set to work. Vocalist NIELZ LINDSTROM is quite a discovery. His emotion filled delivery brings to mind EVERGREY’s TOM ENGLUND as well as DEAD SOUL TRIBE’s DEVON GRAVES. They have found the perfect counterpoint in the angelic voice of SARA HEURLIN. R "The Aftermath Odyssey" is a dramatic tale of love, hate and betrayal set in the wake of a nuclear apocalypse. Symphonic arrangements and the use of a real choir adds a dynamic contrast to the snarling riffs and hook filled melodies. Karlgren and Hedestedt have come up with the perfect balance of power and progressive elements evoking the spirit of classic metal albums like SAVATAGE’s "Dead Winter Dead" and QUEENRYCHE’s "Operation: Mindcrime." This is intense, angst ridden music dripping with atmosphere that will draw you in as the story unfolds. R A masterpiece such as this demands a graphic presentation that matches the music and the band delivers. NATION BEYOND arrives in a gorgeous digipak with a beautifully illustrated 28 page full color booklet. The KINGFISHER SKY story begins in 2001, when drummer IVAR DE GRAAF decided to part ways with WITHIN TEMPTATION, a band who were experiencing their first international breakthrough with the release of the "Mother Earth" album. Together with classically trained vocalist JUDITH RIJNVELD, Ivar started writing new music without being bound to a specific genre or musical style. R With diverse influences such as CLANNAD, TORI AMOS, KATE BUSH, PETER GABRIEL, and PORCUPINE TREE, the writing resulted in a style that isn’t easy to categorize, though the term "Progressive Myth Rock" seems to cover all bases. In short: contrasts - one moment dreamy and atmospheric, then heavy and brutal the next. By the beginning of 2006 the writing efforts were compiled on an impressive eleven track demo, which ultimately led to the duo signing a recording contract with Dutch label UBURBAN RECORDS the following October. R Former ORPHANAGE bassist ERIC HOOGENDOORN, guitarists DAAN JANZING and EDO VAN DER KOLK and keyboardist GEORGE VAN OLFFEN were recruited to make KINGFISHER SKY a full band. From May through July of 2007 the band recorded in several studios under the inspired guidance of producers JOCHEM JACOBS (TEXTURES) and BOUKE VISSER of SPLIT SECOND SOUND. In January 2008, "Hallway Of Dreams" was licensed to THE LASER’S EDGE for the exclusive release in North America. R "Hallway Of Dreams" is a unique and forward thinking release that encompasses progressive rock, metal and atmospheric moods. The band will draw interest from the fanbase of Within Temptation as well as THE GATHERING, Porcupine Tree and Tori Amos. Following two highly successful tours with established Progressive metalists PAIN OF SALVATION and two years of exacting work, DARK SUNS have finished their third album "Grave Human Genuine." R "Grave Human Genuine" â€" this unconventional title was chosen with care and purpose, as it represents the three characteristic elements of this work: "Grave" signifies darkness, the sinister force, and the inevitable fate. "Human" is synonymous with the music’s inherent soul-depth, while "Genuine" means "real" or"authentic" and hence refers to DARK SUNS’ uncompromising approach to music. R But what about the music? DARK SUNS don’t merely pick up where the successful predecessor "Existence" (2005) left off, they present themselves as many-facetted as never before. A clear nod to Doom, complex polyrhythms, unusual and diverse instruments and, last but not least, drummer NIKO NAPPE’s characteristic yearning vocals comprise the album’s cornerstones. The variety of sounds stretches from angular Metal riff attacks via atmospheric ambient soundscapes and Techno reminiscences to Avant-garde influences â€" despite this complexity, an accomplished musical mosaic of enormous expressiveness. R Exciting nuances are created by the incomparable bass of Pain Of Salvation’s long-time member KRISTOFFER GILDENLÖW, a friendly turn that resulted from the tours mentioned above, and DISILLUSION’s SCHMIDT’s guest vocals in "Flies In Amber." With "Grave Human Genuine," DARK SUNS have created a haunting album full of autonomy and instrumental class, self-consciously charting new musical territory. In this, the band from Leipzig embodies the essence of every true progressive band: compositional genius coupled with advancement. The dark suns radiate: gloomy, human and 7 6 3 2 3 2 3 0 4 1 2 3 egregiously genuine. Also coming in April.... A US tour is in the brainstorming phase and help for this is being sought. Parties interested in booking Zero Hour, as well as North American media looking for info on coverage contact Earsplit. http://www.lasersedgegroup.com At A Loss Recordings - February 2008 Update- Black Cobra tours w/Pelican, Unearthly Trance and with The Sword, Saviours BLACK COBRA Black Cobra will trek out solo and then will join none other than Pelican for a late February/ March tour. The thunderous Unearthly Trance will also be along for the ride on the dates. Black Cobra then travel back across the country solo, get on a plane the next day and go to tour the UK with The Sword. Just Black Cobra: All Dates Pelican, Black Cobra & Unearthly Trance: Just Black Cobra: http://www.blackcobra.net BURNED UP BLED DRY / DEADBIRD At A Loss Recordings is proud to announce there will be a split seven inch release between the two Arkansas veterans Deadbird and Burned Up Bled Dry. All tracks will be exclusive. Deadbird will contribute one new song. BUBD will contribute 4 â€" 5 new tracks. This release will either be a precursor, simultaneous, or the aftermath of Deadbird's upcoming full length "Twilight Ritual" depending on which way the wind flows that day (or when the finished cover work arrives) More to come….. Deadbird Dates: http://www.myspace.com/burnedupbleddry DESTROY EVERYTHING ANNOUNCES APRIL 1ST RELEASE OF NEW ALBUMDOWNERS GROVE , IL - After years of relative silence, pivotal Chicago area punks Destroy Everything will be releasing their new full-length album "Freedom Of Speech Means Talk Is Cheap" through Tent City Records on April Fool's Day. (Judgment left to the retail circuit on whether that date is or is not a joke). Destroy Everything is a five-piece punk band from Chicago, with a sound derived from Midwest hardcore of the early 1980s overlayed with anthemic melodies of the late 1970s London punk scene and mixed in with a bit of Southern California skate-punk (in other words: catchy songs with a sort of turbo-charged swagger). The band features Cheddar Nines (lead vocals), Señor Citizen (guitar), Stiff Mittens (bass), Hanover Fist (guitar), and Cocoa Hole (drums). The band emerged from the wreckage of two other Chicago-area bands. In 1992 the Insane War Tomatoes, a highly theatrical punk/metal act featuring Cheddar Nines as lead vocalist, played their last show. Around the same time Cigarettes, a folksy, math rock combo founded by Señor Citizen and Stiff Mittens, disbanded abruptly. Look for confirmed dates for DESTROY EVERYTHING's full U.S. tour May-July 2008. Information on DESTROY EVERYTHING's music and projects can be found at: GUITAR CENTER & ROLAND/BOSS ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE"LIVE IN LONDON CONCERT WITH THE CULT" SWEEPSTAKES HOLLYWOOD (February 6, 2008) - The hottest sweepstakes of 2007 was the LIVE IN LONDON sweepstakes. This mind-blowing event is presented by Guitar Center and Roland/Boss in conjunction with The Cult's new album Born Into This that was released October 2, 2007 [Roadrunner Records]. Customers had the month of October 2007 to head into their nearest Guitar Center and enter for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to see The Cult live in London and watch from side stage. The prize package includes round trip tickets for two, hotel accommodations and $1000 dollars spending cash. And, if that weren't enough, Roland/Boss is hooking up the winner with a $2,500 Guitar Center shopping spree. On January 3rd, 2008 Guitar Center picked the lucky winner. They tossed all entries into a barrel and fished out the one and only Amanda Kolanz from Chagrin Falls, OH. "I was completely surprised when I got the phone call telling me I had won," exclaims Kolanz. "At first I thought that it was someone joking with me, but once I realized it was real, I was so excited. I ran all around my house screaming to my family that I had won. Amanda thanks Guitar Center for the best prize ever. "Something like this does not happen every day and I am truly thankful that I won. I cannot wait to go to London and rock at the concert!" We will hear more about Amanda and her trip to London once she gets back. For updates on all of Guitar Center's cool contests and give-aways go to http://www.guitarcenter.com and get your chance to win. TRIUMPH HALL OF FAME INDUCTION AT JUNO AWARDS!After More Than 30 Years, Triumph's Legacy Lives On: Canadian Music Hall of Fame to Induct Legendary Rock Band at The 2008 JUNO Awards At the 2008 JUNO Awards nominee media conference held today in Toronto, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced this year's Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, the legendary rock band, Triumph. The original band members will be honoured at The 2008 JUNO Awards in Calgary on Sunday, April 6th, broadcast on CTV from the Pengrowth Saddledome. "Triumph helped define arena rock as we know it today – they truly knew how to put on a spectacular concert experience for the fans," says Melanie Berry, CARAS President. "We are very proud to recognize them in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame." Members Rik Emmett (vocals/guitars), Mike Levine (bass/keyboards) and Gil Moore (vocals/drums) were destined for stardom when they formed the Canadian hard-rock trio, Triumph, in 1975. Their debut self-titled album was released in 1976 by Attic Records and quickly reached gold status. On the strength of the group's non-stop touring schedule throughout Canada and the USA, Triumph had rapidly built a large and loyal fan base. "It's a tremendous honour to be part of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In one way, the reunion is like a surprising, surreal whirlwind. In another sense, it is also very humbling," said Rik Emmett. "I lost my brother to cancer last year, and he was always one of my biggest supporters - and a huge fan of Triumph - so an award like this also pays tribute to an enduring relationship with music lovers everywhere." "I couldn't be more thrilled. This is the ultimate honour for Triumph," said bass guitarist/keyboardist Mike Levine. Fellow band mate Gil Moore adds, "It's a humbling experience and an honour to be recognized by your peers in this way – it has inspired me to start playing again." Triumph followed up their debut album with the multi-platinum Rock 'N' Roll Machine (1977) and Just a Game (1979) releases – both of which are considered rock classics. The band became increasingly notorious for their live performances, dubbing them the godfathers of arena rock. By the '80s, Triumph truly became a force to be reckoned with, releasing a string of gold and platinum-certified albums including Progressions of Power, Allied Forces, Never Surrender, Thunder Seven and The Sport of Kings. Their bombastic over-the-top arena tours combined with such classic radio staples ("Fight the Good Fight," "Magic Power," "Lay It On The Line") and multiple JUNO Award nominations solidified the group as one of rock's top concert attractions. In 1995, the entire Triumph catalog was re-mastered and reissued on CD. These days, several producers at the Metalworks Studios' facilities in Mississauga, Ontario, are hard at work preparing future Triumph DVD and CD releases from the vaults. In June 2008, the original members of Triumph, Emmett, Levine and Moore, will unite to perform a reunion world premiere at the prestigious Sweden Rock Festival. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was established in 1978 by CARAS to honour individuals or groups who have made an outstanding contribution toward the greater international recognition of Canadian artists and music. Last year's inductee to the Canadian Hall of Fame was Bob Rock and previous inductees include Bryan Adams, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and the late Bruce Fairbairn. A complete list of Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees can be found at http://www.junoawards.ca. Sponsors of the 2008 JUNO Awards include FACTOR, Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage's "Canada Music Fund", The Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Arts Development and Radio Starmaker Fund. Broadcast sponsors for The 2008 JUNO Awards are Pontiac, Doritos, TD Canada Trust and Rogers. About CARAS: The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through television vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on the 37th Annual JUNO Awards, visit the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' (CARAS) website at http://www.junoawards.ca. About CTV: POISON PLAYS EXCLUSIVE SHOW AT SWEDEN ROCK ONLY SHOW IN EUROPE DURING 2008!POISON(US) Poison never had a soft spot for Europe. No matter how much their European fans have demanded them to cross the ocean - the band has stayed away. The first, and so far only, show in Sweden was played in August 1990 at the Monsters Of Rock in Stockholm, where Poison teamed up with Quireboys and Whitesnake. As magical as it was, Poison never came back - until now! When Poison finally returns to Europe for the first time in 15 years, it is for one very exclusive show only, and it is at Sweden Rock Festival! It*s one night only folks, and it*ll be a night to remember! TICKETS TO SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2008 This tickets for all 4 days are limited to 10.000 and not to many are left! Buy the tickets here CONFIRMED BANDS SO FAR: Buy the tickets here We offer you the complete All-inclusive Sweden Rock packages, accommodation and festival transfer. Check up our services. http://www.visitsouthsweden.com GUITAR ICON - STEVE STEVEN'S of BILLY IDOL releases MEMORY CRASHFIRST SOLO ALBUM IN OVER 10 YEARS on MAGNA CARTA RECORDS MARCH 4TH, 2008 HOLLYWOOD (February 5, 2008) – After a decade, the much anticipated Steve Stevens solo release is invading the world - MEMORY CRASH releases March 4th, 2008 on Magna Carta Records. Steven's spent the last few years out on tour in support of Idols album "The Devils Playground." Once off tour, Stevens spent time orchestrating his new album and signed to Magna Carta Records. He spent the last year meticulously laying down the tracks to his newest guitar masterpiece. Choosing a very retro-contemporary style, Stevens decided he would make this a very real and well conceived album, something that has not been heard in years. Reasserting the quality that made him a star, Stevens just calls it good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll. It's just Steve Stevens, his guitar, and his beloved effects – all the ingredients that make's this album a work of genius. MEMORY CRASH boasts such tracks as "Water on Ares", "Hellcats Take the Highway", "Small Arms Fire", an interpretation of Robin Trower's' "Day of the Eagle" (featuring Dug Pinnick of King's X), and the rousing/psychedelic "Cherry Vanilla." "I have a lot of weird little segues going on with this record," Stevens explains. "I've always loved that about the prog records, like Dark Side of the Moon. You enter this little theater of the mind. It's a true headphone experience." Guitar World magazine once said that Steve Stevens "orchestrates the growls and snarls that come of his guitar much the same way that Bernstein conducts the Philharmonic." It's this variety of aural characteristics that also explains Stevens' musical career path. Not only is he the longtime musical partner and friend of British punk-rock icon, Billy Idol—together delivering the million-selling albums BILLY IDOL, REBEL YELL, WHIPLASH SMILE, VITAL IDOL, GREATEST HITS as well as a new CD, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND—but he's a Grammy Award winner (Best Rock Instrumental for his work on the TOP GUN Soundtrack), a sought-after songwriter (co-wrote "Bolero" for the ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO Soundtrack), a noted session guitarist (Michael Jackson, the late Robert Palmer, The Cars Ric Ocasek and most recently, Pink), and a solo artist with two vastly divergent albums, rock 'n rolling ATOMIC PLAYBOYS and the Latin-influenced FLAMENCO A GO GO. Not bad for a shy kid from the rough and tumble section of the Ramones' Rockaway, Queens on the edge of New York City. MEMORY CRASH was recorded and engineered by Steve Stevens and Beazle T. Monk at the Purple Room. Brian Tichy (Billy Idol/drummer) plays all percussion and drums, Stevens' plays guitar and all other instruments. http://www.stevestevens.net or http://www.magnacarta.com SECRET - the Italian Battalion set to unleash DisentoxicationEastern Italy has never been know as a hotbed for things that are ugly or brutal, but the unassuming Eastern city of Trieste has unleashed one of the most fierce and destructive forces from the country’s music scene in the form of THE SECRET. After wowing many with their 2004 debut Luce, the band, now slimmed down to a quartet after some personnel changes, are back in a big way, literally blowing the roof off their debut with an album that is heavier, more frantic and rawer than anything else they've ever done. Their upcoming album Disentoxication - their second release for Goodfellow Records, due out February 26th - is a punishing slab of metallic, murderous riffing and relentless powerhouse breakdowns. Two new tracks from Disintoxication are available at the band's Myspace now. Instead of recording at home in Italy, this time around the band left their native country for the desolate, rural surroundings of Umea, Sweden to work with famed producer Magnus Lindberg at Tonteknik Recording. Disintoxication means leaving behind your bad situations and bad influences which slowly start destroying your life. Many of the lyrics are about loneliness and isolation; others are just a middle finger in the face of comfortable regular life. It’s all about the struggle you face when you have to take distance from someone or something you love but you know you can’t go on with, like a rehab. It’s about sleepless nights and desperation as well as spitting in the face of the world. http://www.myspace.com/thesecret CAVALERA CONSPIRACY: MAX & IGGOR REUNITE THEY UNLEASH THE BEAST - FIRST ALBUM TOGETHER IN 10 YEARSINFLIKTED Due Out March 25th, 2008 on Roadrunner Records New York, NY: The sun shines in Metal as the two most influential brothers reunite after 10 years of silence. Max and Iggor Cavalera have formed the Cavalera Conspiracy and will release their first album INFLIKTED to the world March 25th, 2008 on Roadrunner Records. "Cavalera Conspiracy is about a sense of being unleashed," says vocalist/guitarist Max Cavalera. "You bottle a monster for 10 years and then let it out. It's explosive, and we waited a long time for this beast to be set free." What all Sepultura fans have hoped and waited for finally happened on August 17th 2006 in Tempe Arizona. Max and Iggor, the Cavalera brothers, finally reunited. Soulfly played a show in memory of Dana Wells (D-Low), the stepson of Max and son of Gloria Cavalera, whose death changed the life of the family forever. However, this brought back the force of friendship and family when Iggor Cavalera stepped on stage, almost in secret. He joined the band in the drum jam and in continuation he took a seat behind the drums. With the first sounds of "Attitude" the crowd realized who was keeping time behind Max and the band. They went wild. "Once we hit the first note, it felt like a bomb had dropped on stage," exclaims Iggor. "From that moment on, I knew we needed to do something together musically." This amazingly phenomenal show will go down in every heavy metal encyclopedia as the historic moment when the brothers Cavalera joined forces again. "There was over 10 years of not seeing or talking to each other at all, which is a long ass time," explains Max. That's what made it more special when it did finally happen. Cavalera Conspiracy consists of Max Cavalera (vocals/rhythm guitar), Iggor Cavalera (drums/percussion), Marc Rizzo (lead/rhythm guitars), and Joe Duplantier (bass). INFLIKTED is the long-awaited moment providing Metal a new era with the Cavalera Brothers. In the veins of Sepultura with a twist, the band turns back to heavier and darker material giving their fans exactly what they have been waiting for. Max's vocals explodes onto the 11 tracks of INFLIKTED joined with the pounding of Iggor's drum beats, Marc Rizzo's shred slicing guitar and Joe Duplantier thumping bass lines. "When I listen to the album, it sounds old school, but new in its own way," explains Iggor. "It's a mix of both worlds." Recording took place this past July at Undercity Studios in Los Angeles, with Logan Mader (former Machine Head guitarist) and Lucas Banker of the Dirty Icon production team. Rex Brown (Pantera, Down) cameos on bass on Ultra-Violent, and Black Ark features a collaboration with Max, Joe and Richie Cavalera (Incite) all on vocals. Tours dates for the Cavalera Conspiracy to be announced in spring. INFLIKTED is currently scheduled for release via Roadrunner Records internationally on March 24th and in North America on March 25th. The tracklist for the album is as follows: http://www.cavaleraconspiracy.com and http://www.myspace.com/cavaleraconspiracy UNICORN DIGITAL NEW RELEASELITTLE KING Unicorn Records, Inc. is proud to present the Progressive/Melodic Rock band Little King's new CD, Legacy Of Fools. The album, which follows on the heels of the El Paso, Texas, group's critically acclaimed Virus Divine (Unicorn Records - 2005), is now available since the 26th of January 2008. According to songwriter Ryan Rosoff, "The lyrical theme of Legacy Of Fools focuses squarely on some of the problems that we have inherited, and also on what we are willfully leaving behind." The song "Legacy" traces four generations of Rosoff men, starting with Ryan's grandfather and ending with his infant son. The album's opener, "Prodigal Son," examines another familial relationship, this time between the 41st and 43rd Presidents of the United States. "202" is named after Rosoff's classroom number (he teaches high-school English) and shines a harsh light on the state of education in America. "Mea Culpa" is a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, and "Collateral Damage" is an angry indictment of the war in Iraq that asks "What would you do/If we occupied Cleveland?" Legacy Of Fools continues Little King's 11-year tradition of high-level musicianship. The group's intricate interplay is flaunted on tracks like "Collateral Damage," "Legacy" (which includes a beautiful violin melody performed by one of Rosoff's former students, Lyris Soto), "Internal Smut," and "202." The dynamic material alternates between soaring melodies and chest-thumping rock and roll. Rosoff's rhythm and solo guitar work are top-shelf, and he sings with passion and conviction. Eddy Garcia (formerly of Ministry and Pissing Razors) drums deftly; his chops are wrought with power and complexity. Bassist Michael Esparza plays with an acute understanding of when to groove and when to step into the spotlight. The power trio is joined by backing vocalists Heather Oglesby and Betsy Tinajero on three songs, and for the first time in Little King's history, keyboards play an integral role in sculpting the band's sound, as Ruben Gutierrez enhances seven of the album's nine tracks. These collaborations result in a disc that is equally emotional and adroit. Without question, Legacy Of Fools is Little King's most complete, hard-hitting, and satisfying effort to date. Featuring magnificent artwork by Jonas Ekman and mastering by the legendary Don Grossinger, MP3 Samples available at http://www.unicornrecords.com/mp3.html and http://www.unicorndigital.com OBTEST SIGNS A DEAL WITH THE FAMOUS FRENCH LABELLithuanian pagan metal heralds strain to the worldwide music elite OBTEST, the metal music band from Vilnius, Lithuania, already well familiar to pagan music community all over Europe, are reaching a new goal: to conquer the rest of the world. Such scope is not without reason. The band has just inked a deal with the famous French label OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS for release of a new album "Gyvybës Medis". This company specializes in heavy music industry for almost two decades now, and during that time has deservedly earned a name of one of the most influential metal labels worldwide, discovering and raising few dozens of nowadays' worldwide acclaimed artists. Such luminaries as Immortal, Enslaved, Dark Tranquillity, Marduk, Shining, Absu, Masters Hammer, Melechesh, Sigh, Vital Remains, Impaled Nazarene, Necromantia or Angelcorpse is enough to mention to realize the impact of this company in black, death, pagan or thrash metal market. Much like the entire catalogue of French label, new OBTEST album will be distributed in music shops and via independent retailers worldwide, including Japan, Canada, Australia, USA and the entire Europe. LEDO TAKAS, long-lived label of the band, has secured an exclusive right to release and distribute new OBTEST album in the Baltic States. "Gyvybës Medis" will be released in three different formats: digipak compact disk, picture vinyl record and collectors' A5 sized CD book. Due to peripeteia around this new deal, the release date is postponed for later time than expected before, yet it is clear and steady: the fourth OBTEST album will be born on fourth day of April, the fourth month of the year 2008. New OBTEST merchandise series will be presented at the same time. "Such a twist in the new album publication was surprising. We have learned about it some time ago, and were pleasantly surprised. We hope that our new album will be available to all fans of the band even at the utmost ends of the earth" - comments OBTEST. "This deal is the most significant OBTEST achievement in releasing field so far, and it is especially exciting that this pact is entered exactly with OSMOSE. It is an honour to put a unique music writing musicians in touch with publishing professionals who know their stuff. I am sure that this alliance will be versatilely beneficial, and we will live the first results pretty soon" - resumes LEDO TAKAS RECORDS chief and OBTEST manager Tadas Kazlauskas. http://www.ledotakas.net 5 NEW BANDS CONFIRMED FOR SWEDEN ROCKMUCC(JAP) PRIMAL FEAR (D) PRIMORDIAL (IRL) PICTURE (NL) ROYAL HUNT (DK) TICKETS TO SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2008 CONFIRMED BANDS SO FAR: All-inclusive SWEDEN AT IT´S BEST - WELCOME TO VISIT SOUTH SWEDEN AND SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2008 THE 4-5-6-7 JUNE We offer you the complete All-inclusive Sweden Rock packages, accommodation and festival transfer. Check up our services. http://www.visitsouthsweden.com TICKETS NOW ON SALE for Nightmare Metal fest available from ETIX for more information, go to http://www.NightmareMetalFest.com and click on the "Tickets" Link. The new Metal festival Features California's own powermetal powerhouse CAGE and AVIAN -featuring Lance King (Pyramaze / Balance of Power) and members of Cellador / DISASTERPEACE - featuring Wade Black (Crimson Glory / Leatherwolf) and Pete Blakk (King Diamond) and Toronto based WARMACHINE as it's headliners, (Warmachine at the base of controversy from the GIGANTOUR liveline poll). Also on the festival lineup are X-THIRTIEN (Produced by Jon Oliva w/Members of Dr. Butcher, Overlord) power /thrash ORDER OF NINE (PIttsburg, PA) prog metalalers DIMENSION (Mexico/America) groove power metal band POWND (Kentucky) prog-power band SACRED DAWN (Chicago, IL), and newly signed Nightmare artist SIX MINUTE CENTURY (Houston TX) (Featuring Krucible guitarist -Don Lafon) and local Florida thrash metallers SHADES OF TWILIGHT AS A BONUS....GUITAR CENTER has sponsored the event and given us a brand new top of the line "DIMEBAG DARREL" signatures series "DEAN" guitar for our GUITAR HERO contest we'll be running during the change overs between bands on Saturday March 22nd the second day of the event. (for more information on this, click through to our "FestForum" from our Official website link below. http://www.NightmareMetalFest.com Magic Circle Music Proudly Presents The Magic Circle Festival 2008 *4 days of unlimited metal madness The year 2008 will mark the 20th anniversary of the classic MANOWAR album "Kings Of Metal". In the words of Joey DeMaio "It's a party and you're all invited to celebrate". In order to commemorate this momentous occasion, Magic Circle Music will once again construct one of the largest stages in Germany. On this massive stage, MANOWAR will perform their first six albums in their entirety. On Friday night, the Metal Kings will perform "Battle Hymns", "Into Glory Ride" and "Hail To England". On Saturday "Sign Of The Hammer", "Fighting The World" and finally "Kings Of Metal" will all be played from start to finish. This set will also feature a bombastic first-time rendition of "The Crown And The Ring (Lament Of The Kings)", which will feature the original choir and orchestral performance that has never been seen before. All of this will only cost $115.00 (80 EUR). Imagine a 4-day festival for less than the price of a regular concert ticket. But that is not all. This admission fee will also include parking and camping. Magic Circle Music encourages fans to write in and submit any ideas they have for the Magic Circle Festival 2008. Don't miss out on the biggest heavy metal experience of 2008. Be sure to attend the Magic Circle Music Festival. True Metal Shall Reign Forever! Death To False Metal! Hail and Kill! Tickets are now available at http://www.nuclearblast.de and http://www.magiccirclefestival.com. For more information, please visit http://www.magiccirclefestival.com and http://www.manowar.com. MAGICIAN's debut album sold more than 1.000 copies in Japan in less than one month- The new album of the power metal band MAGICIAN, "Tales of the Magician", was released in Japan in December 19th by the label Soundholic (Grave Digger, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Evergrey, Nocturnal Rites, etc) and in less than one month sold more than 1.000 copies, a great achievement considering that it's their first album. Actually Magician is finishing the negotiations for a worldwide release, which shall happen in the next months. Recently the band posted online a video clip made for the song "Minstrel's Domain". Check it on Magician's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/magicianband or directly on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74-RtN7pYdM http://www.magician.com.br FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH ANNOUNCED AS PART OF THE ROCKSTAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVALLos Angeles, CA - In what’s sure to be the hottest concert ticket of the summer, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH joins multi-platinum rock acts SLIPKNOT and DISTURBED on the first-ever ROCKSTAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVAL. The festival will be a riotous road show packed with some of hard music’s most influential artists and a plethora of the genre’s most exciting young voices (including DRAGONFORCE, MASTADON, MACHINE HEAD, BLACK TIDE, SUICIDE SILENCE, THE RED CHORD, WALLS OF JERICHO, SEVENDUST, AIRBOURNE and 36 CRAZYFISTS). The tour is set to kick off July 9th at the White River Amphitheatre in Seattle and will hit 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada between early July and late August (a full itinerary will be announced in the coming weeks). Euro-Metal veteran and previous U.P.O. guitarist, Zoltan Bathory, was the architect of what has morphed into FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, recruiting standout studio Metal drummer, Jeremy Spencer to add his trademark ‘double-bass mayhem’ to the equation. Vocalist, Ivan Moody’s previous band, MOTOGRATER, had played to huge crowds on Ozzfest and beyond, while guitarist Darrell Roberts toured with metal legends W.A.S.P.. Matt Snell, bassist of acclaimed experimental outfits ANUBIS RISING and DEADSETT, completed the circle by lending his considerable fretboard mastery to the band’s music. Their album, THE WAY OF THE FIST, was recorded at Next Level Studios by Stevo "Shotgun" Bruno (MOTLEY CRUE, PRONG) and at No Name Studios by Mikey Sarkisyan (SPINESHANK) with mixing and mastering duties being handled by Logan Mader (MACHINE HEAD, SOULFLY). The single “The Bleeding” continues to climb the Active Rock radio charts (currently #13) making FFDP the only new band in the Top 15. The single is now crossing over to Alternative Radio as well. With steady sales, hitting around 67K in the short time since release, the band remains in the Top 10 in the Top New Artist Chart since the album’s debut. For further information on FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH check out http://www.myspace.com/ffdp or http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com. For specific dates for the ROCKSTAR ENERGY MAYHEM FESTIVAL, cities and the tour’s Internet pre-sale will be announced in the coming weeks, fans can go to http://www.mayhemfest.com to keep up with details as they are released. KATAGORY V -SEEKING NEW SINGER AND GUITARISTKatagory V parts ways with singer and guitarist â€" seeking replacements! Utah-based progressive/power metallers KATAGORY V have officially parted ways with long-time lead vocalist Lynn Allers and guitarist Marc Hanson. This comes only a few short months after the release of the band's fourth album, "Hymns of Dissension" (Nightmare Records in the USA) Commented bassist and founder Dustin Mitchell: "Concerning Lynn, I'm sure everyone out there knew something was going on when we had Norman Skinner of the Bay Area-based band IMAGIKA filling in for our CD-release party. It seems kind of obvious that something is up when the singer that recorded the album that is being celebrated is not taking part in an important event like that. And then when our band is enlisted to back Ronny Munroe of METAL CHURCH as his band for his solo gig to boot? Yeah… something is certainly amiss. "Sadly, it had come to a point where Lynn's time and dedication to KATAGORY V was no longer a priority for him, and we could see it in his attitude for some time now. This was probably one of the harder decisions we've had to make as a band, but ironically, this situation has been a long time coming. In the end, we really cared about Lynn as a friend and about him being in the band, but we knew it was time to make a change. “With Marc, it was almost the same scenario concerning his dedication, only he has decided to leave of his own accord. It finally came down to him having to make some hard choices, and due to minor musical differences and many conflicting factors in his personal life,Marc has officially decided to part ways with KATAGORY V. "These decisions have come as a huge disappointment for us in KATAGORY V, and we are certain many of our fans will be disappointed as well. However, we will look ahead, carry on and continue moving on to the next chapter of the band! There were a lot of good times and memories with Lynn and Marc in the band, and there is no doubt that both of their contributions made them an integral part of KATAGORY V during their tenure. We wish both of them the best in their future endeavors.†KATAGORY V is now looking to find a new, more versatile and highly motivated vocalist and guitarist as soon as possible. Interested parties, both locally and nationally, can contact the band directly at vocalist@katagory5.com. for more information on the vocalist slot and guitarists can write to guitarist@katagory5.com STONERIDER Debut: “THREE LEGS OF TROUBLE†Out Now!On Tour w/AIRBOURNE (2/21-3/31) StoneRider hailing from Atlanta, GA, have been unleashed on the masses via their full-length album Three Legs Of Trouble. Produced by Bill Appleberry (Operator), the album is armed with whip ass grooves and fist pumping rock for anyone who has ever thrown back a brew for Led Zeppelin, AC/DC or Hendrix. Advance reviews for the album have been united in their love of the rock. The new issue of Metal Edge proclaims that “rock n roll has been stranded in some scummy, rundown bus stop and it seems StoneRider is trying to renovate the genre.†UK glossy Rock Sound echo the sentiment proclaiming “this is the band that could finally unite you and your dad’s record collections and see you eyeing chicks and downing beers together real soon.†Even tastemaking website Pop Matters agrees saying “Three Legs of Trouble is most assuredly Kentucky-fried parking lot rock, the kind of dust-bitten, guitar-heavy album perfect for peeling out in a Camaro to.†Featuring four former members of Trustkill alumni Fight Paris the band toned down the fast and thrashy elements of their former band with spot on blues muscle and boogie-ing riffs. Bass player Champ Champagne comments “This record is a return to when rock made you dance, you feel the heavy thump in your chest rather than just hearing a heavy riff.." Having been laying out audiences through their local Atlanta area, the band is ready to hit the road with Airbourne! Airbourne of course being the hard rock sensation from Australia signed to Roadrunner Records. Tour dates to be announced shortly on http://www.KillerTours.com The Prophecy are pleased to announce that they will once again be travelling out to the continent to play a string of shows. This next tour is promising to be particularly good with the first date of the tour seeing the band make a welcome return to the much loved Opblaaspop festival in Sas Van Gent. THE Prophecy will be performing with top Dutch band Incarnate and as ever will be bringing the party to Sas Van Gent! Guard your women and your beer The Prophecy then play Tilberg little devil club with NoFace record label mates Conquest of Steel. Your best chance to see the brothers Parkinson rocking out and a gig likely to be full of non stop metal madness. The band then head out to Rostock De to play the Stubnitz. A rather remarkable venue set aboard a ship. No doubt this will be a great show. The band will also be shooting some DVD footage of the event so please come along to enjoy the fun. Tuesday then sees the band playing in the Czech capital of Prague where the band are booked into Exit Chmelnice. This will be the bands first appearance in the czech republic. The Prophecy will then return to Holland for a number of shows to be confirmed. In between shows they have arranged a photoshoot with top band Photographer Nera K to shoot some photos for the album booklet and website. - The band are also pleased to announce some more Merchandise stock. The band have recently aquired some 25mm badges with 9 different designs that are now available to purchase on the prophecy website. Coming soon - keyrings and fridge magnets!!! Keep checking the website and myspace site for updates. http://www.THE-PROPHECY.net REVELATIONS - Nominated for best doom metal album of 2006 DISMEMBER interrogations begin“Like an strong serpent with fresh poison they will crawl the eerie filth of the world known as death!†Dismember are back with a blast. This is the ultimate death metal album from one of the finest Swedish bands. These guys have lost nothing in terms of intensity. The sheer pace and passion of the songs are blistering and the vocal sounds as pissed off as ever. Powerful riffs that are not in short demand, plenty of lead works and amazingly melodic harmonies are what metal the scene needed and Dismember have them in huge spades. This is definitely one of the best death metal releases in many years. http://www.myspace.com/dismemberpromo BELGIAN THRASHERS AFTER ALL RELEASE NEW ALBUMTRENTON, N.J. – "This Violent Decline," the latest album by Belgian thrashers After All, has received a North American release via Locomotive Records. "On 'This Violent Decline,' we managed to find the right balance between the catchy and more melodic approach of 'Mercury Rising' (2003) and the full-speed-ahead thrash metal of 'The Vermin Breed' (2005)," said guitarist Dries Van Damme. "That makes 'This Violent Decline' our most mature album to date, both in musicality and power." The group also made seriously steps in the production department, enlisting the services of heavy weights such as Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir) and Tue Madsen (Halford, Mnemic). "Of all the albums we made, we needed the least time to write this one," said Van Damme. "We toured a lot over the last couple of years. In some way, this has inspired us a lot. The songs for 'This Violent Decline' came to us very fast and very spontaneously. It also shows, as the songs have a very natural flow to them." Together and releasing music since the early '90s, After All is one of Europe's most active touring bands, having toured with the likes of Anthrax, King Diamond, and Stone Sour, among others. The band's last tour included stops in 15 countries, where the set was built entirely around the new songs. "The response has been nothing but overwhelming," Van Damme said. Despite its waning popularity in the '90s and current revival in North America, After All has proudly held the thrash metal torch through the years. "Thrash was never really gone - at least not in Europe," said Van Damme. "A couple of bands soldiered on, like we did ourselves, so the music never totally disappeared. It is good to see there is a renewed interest in thrash metal right now. We benefit from that as well. Being the only active thrash band in Belgium right now, we really do stand out in a local scene that has countless death metal and metalcore bands." After All will make its American live debut in 2008. Stay tuned for dates. GUITAR LEGENDS, LARRY CARLTON AND ROBBEN FORD, TOUR TOGETHERNashville, TN, January 28, 2008: Two guitar legends, one stage - On Feb. 27th Larry Carlton and Robben Ford start the US leg of a tour that began last year in Korea and has already toured through Australia and Europe. Supporting the release of their album "Larry Carlton with Special Guest Robben Ford, Live in Tokyo" this is a show that guitar lovers and blues fans alike will not want to miss. Carlton and Ford first met in the early 70s while Ford was touring with Joni Mitchell. From there they began playing in small jazz clubs in North Hollywood, California. Since then the two have been following each other careers and have remain close friends. When asked why they did the album Carlton says, "Over the years people kept asking when Robben (Ford) and I were going to make a record. So we finally did it." The album was release under Carlton's label, 335 Records. Larry Carlton is a sixteen time Grammy nominee, three time Grammy winner and guitar great that has played on over a 100 albums that have gone gold or platinum. Carlton's studio credits musicians and groups such as Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Sammy Davis Jr, and literally dozens of others. Carlton's career spans three decades with 26 albums to his credit. At the age of 18, Robben Ford was playing with the likes of Charlie Musslewhite, Jimmy Witherspoon, George Harrison, and Joni Mitchell. Ford is a founding member of the group "Yellowjackets," which he stayed with until 1983. After that, Ford began touring with greats such as Miles Davis, Sadao Watanabe, and Little Feet, but then soon realized that his passion was towards his roots of blues. Ford just recently received a Grammy nomination for "Best Contemporary Blues Album." Together the two pair a unique pairing of two all-time legendary guitarists. The tour promises to deliver unforgettable evenings of dueling guitar solos and an evening of the blues performed the way it was meant to be. The scheduled tour dates are: http://www.335records.com MYSTIC PROPHECY PLACES 'SATANIC CURSES' ON METAL SCENETRENTON, N.J. – The part German, part Greek combo of Mystic Prophecy has seen the North American release of its fifth album, "Satanic Curses," via Locomotive Music. With a title sure to grab attention in the power metal world, frontman R.D. "Lia" Liapakis explains that it's a reflection of and commentary on the surrounding world. "Take a look into this world… What will you see?," Liapakis said. "Crime, hate, war, despair, rape, mayhem. Those are true facts and these are the things that I wrote in my lyrics! It's time to speak the truth…we must change something in this world or we will have a total black out in a few years. The world is going down day by day and that's our Satanic Curses." On a positive front, Mystic Prophecy delivers a strong riff-laden album of pure power metal on "Satanic Curses." Written by guitarist Markus Pohl and Liapakis, the pair worked individually at home, making use of mp3s to avoid paying costly gas prices for the 120-mile commute between the cities of Memmingen and Stuttgart. Once finished, the band convened in its rehearsal studio to put the finishing touches on the songs. "The work was very relaxed," Liapakis said. "The chemistry between Markus and me is very good, and Markus exactly knows what kind of music I need. I think that the new record is a very good trademark for Mystic Prophecy - hard melodic heavy metal with a lot of power." A career highlight for the group happened in December when they discovered that the "Dark Forces" single, which had limited retail distribution, entered the singles charts in Liapakis' native Greece. "One day I read my mails and I got a message from my parents that we are in the charts in Hellas and that the radio is playing 'Dark Forces,'" he said. "I couldn't believe it and wrote a mail to our distributor in Greece. 'Lia, that's true,' the distributor said. 'The people like "Dark Forces" and you entered the Single Charts at 15!' That was the greatest moment in the history of Mystic Prophecy!" http://www.mysticprophecy.com IMPERIA SETS ALIGHT WITH NEW ALBUMTRENTON, N.J. – Boasting the versatile, multi-dimensional voice of Helena Iren Michaelsen, Imperia has given birth to "Queen of Light." While often put in the "atmospheric metal" realm, Imperia truly defies simple categorization. Its keyboard-laden music lends itself to a sense of grandiosity, while the guitars anchor the group's music into a strong rock/metal base. "I believe we have a lot of different elements in our music and that makes it hard to categorize," said guitarist Jan "Örkki" Yrlund. "Quite often bands with female singers are described as 'gothic metal' but I don't believe that does any justice. In our music we do have fast and slow songs, atmospheric songs, but also fast up-tempo songs. The most recognizable part is the voice of Helena, which is truly remarkable. She can do everything from high soprano voice to deep grunts." During the recording of the album Michaelsen gave birth to a daughter, giving the title of the album a deeper meaning. "For Helena the album title has a symbolic meaning and refers to the birth of her daughter Angel," said Yrlund. "Helena was pregnant while we were doing the first vocal parts, and later when finishing her parts she had already given birth. She wanted to record a piece of the crying of her daughter as well, so you can hear her on the intro to the song 'Queen of Light.'" Spread out through Europe – Michaelsen and keyboardist Audun Gronnestad in Norway, Yrlund in Finland, guitarist John Stam in Holland, drummer Steve Wolz in Germany, and bassist Gerry Verstreken in Belgium – the group does its songwriting in home studios. "We send a lot of files around through the internet," Yrlund said. "When we have decided which songs we will record, we get together and head for the studio. The songs on the latest album are written by me and our keyboard wizard Audun but everybody's role is equally important in the recording process." "Queen of Light" is available through Locomotive Music. Locomotive Records was founded in 1996 by music producer Goyo Esteban. Since its formation 11 years ago, the company has become one of the biggest Independent labels in Europe, South America, and the United States. With well-known artists from many genres, its main focus remains rock and metal music, and as a US licensor for bigger Indie labels. As a small record label in Spain, the company started with a lone office in Madrid but soon opened up another office in Cologne, Germany, in 2002. That office is now responsible for the international business and artistic vision for the whole company. In January 2008 Locomotive Records will open a US office in New York to increase its profile in the US market and offer a local and country-specific partner to expand its business even further. Locomotive Records is driven by a passion for music and is always anxious to pave the way for new artists and bands who also share their love for good music and have an ability to delight the audience. http://www.helena-michaelsen.com THE DOGS DIVINE TOUR UPDATESJan 26 2008 8:00P New York, New York Chesterfield, Michigan http://www.chavisrecords.net, http://www.myspace.com/chavisrecords, and http://www.myspace.com/thedogsdivine DANNY VAUGHN RETURNS WITH NEW BAND AND NEW ALBUMTRENTON, N.J. – Vocalist Danny Vaughn has returned with a brand new album, "Traveller," and new lineup for the band that bears his name. The former Tyketto and Waysted singer fronted the band known as Vaughn and also took part in the From the Inside Project, which released its debut in 2004 and plans to release its follow up in 2008. This new venture features members Tony Marshall (guitar), Pat Heath (guitar), Steve McKenna (bass), and Lee Morris (drums), whom Vaughn has worked with off and on for the past two years. "This is the first recording I've done with my English touring band," Vaughn said. "We had been playing the old songs with a two guitar attack, which I had never done. So now we took all of that power and energy and put it into our own work. All of these guys have been playing with a number of bands over the years and have serious skills." "Traveller" is a very personal record for Vaughn, and centers around two main themes - love and death – something Vaughn hadn't planned but discovered upon looking back at the finished work. It's also a musically adventurous record for Vaughn, with songs such as the moody seven-minute "Death of the Tiger." "This album goes through a life time of moods, which is what all of my favorite albums did," he said. "Putting out a collection of similar songs doesn't always satisfy the person taking the journey. There are songs here that harken back to the Tyketto days and stuff that is brand new ground for us. The most important thing is that each time I make another record, the songs get more and more personal. It's dangerous ground opening yourself up like that, but what's the point of making things safe?" Adding to the personal nature of the album, the cover art is a painting by Vaughn's father, who has painted scenes of the American west for many years. Additionally, the graphic design, including the brand new Danny Vaughn logo that adorns the cover, were done by Vaughn's girlfriend, Hayley Warren, a professional film editor and graphics designer. The title itself is a reference to Vaughn's life, having moved house over 25 times and lightheartedly calling himself "a citizen of the world." "'Traveller' is a real labor of love from start to finish and all about emotion," said Vaughn. "On this album I'm the main song writer, producer, vocalist, and occasional guitarist, so I was involved in every single step of the process. It's my favorite album I've ever recorded." http://www.dannyvaughn.com BYFIST/REVEREND BASSIST BRENDON KYLE ENLISTS IN THE USAFREVEREND/BYFIST bassist BRENDON KYLE has enlisted in the United States Air Force and to say the least we are very proud of him. Brendon has been sworn in and will become active duty in mid FEB 08. As much as we will miss him, we understand his passion and desire for duty to his country and applaud him all the way. We wish Brendon a safe and rewarding career in the military and hope to see him banging his bass once again down the line. Please feel free to leave comments as I'm sure Brendon would love to hear from you. Stay Metal !! |